\3 Biodiversity
^Heritage
^^Library
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/
A catalogue of the birds of Indiana / by Amos W. Butler.
S.I. :s.n.,1891?
http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/bibliography/14085
Item : http://www.biodiversitylibrary.org/item/49377
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15. Sterna hirundo Linn. Common* Tern; u Si i Swallow."
Migrant; in some localities abundant. Some remain throughout the sum-
mer in the northern part of the State, where it may be found to breed.
Roseate Tern.
16. Sterna dougalli Montag. Roseate Tern.
A rare migrant. The only account of its appearance in the State is that given
by Dr. Haymond in his paper in Proceedings Philadelphia Academy, 1859, and
noted later in the Indiana Geological Survey, 1869. Dr. Langdon has noted its
capture near Cincinnati and Dr. Gibbs reports it as an Occasional visitor" in
Michigan.
Subgenus Sternula Boie.
17. Sterna antillarum {Leas.). Least Tern.
A rare migrant throughout most of the State, but reported as a summer resi-
dent in the northern part.
Gems HYDROCHELIDON Boie.
18. Hydrockelidon nigra surinamensis {Gmel.). Black Tern; Short-tailed Tern.
A regular migrant in the southern part ot the State ami an abundant summer
resident northward, where it breeds, commonly about the lakes. Mr. Kuthven
Deane report* them as summer residents as far south as English Lake.
Order STEGANOPODES. Totipalmate Swimmkks.
Family ANH1X<tIDJE. Darters.
Genus ANHINGA Brisson.
19. Anhinga anhinga {Linn.). Anhinga; Snake Bird.
Accidental visitor. So far as I know but a single specimen has been reported
from this State. Mr. Fletcher M. Noe, of Indianapolis, reports having received a
male, which was killed some two miles south of Indianapolis on White River.
Prof. Evermann gave, upon Mr. Noe's authority, the report of this capture in
"American Naturalist/' March, 1S87, p. 291.
19
Family PHALACROCORACID.E. Cormorants
Gknus PHALACROCORAX Brissqn,
Subgenus PhaLACROCORAX.
Head of Double- crested Cormorant, nat. size.
20, Phalacrocorax dilophus. ( Sic . <t- Rich ) . Double- crested Cormorant.
Irregular visitor in winter, and also migrant regularly but not common.
21. Phalacrocorax dilophus floridanus (Aui.*. Florida Cormorant.
This Southern species has been noted over the most of the southern part of the
tate in spring and fall. In the Wabash valley it ranges as far north as Terre
Haute, where Prof. O. P. Jenkins found it. Throughout the lower Wabash valley
it is probably a summer resident in some numbers. Mr. Robert Ridgway reports
that, he has noted it breeding in Knox and Gibson Counties. It may occasionally
extend its range over the entire State, having been taken in both northern Illinois
and northern Ohio. Mr. Chas. Dury reports it breeding as far north as St. Mary's
Reservoir in Ohio, which is probably not over twelve miles east of the Indiana
line.
Family PELECANID.E. Pelicans
Genus PELECANUS Linn.eus.
Subgenus Cyrtopelicanus Reichenbaeb.
22. Pelecanus erythrorhynchos Gm4, American White Pelican,
A rare migrant. Reported by Prof. B. W. Evermann, from Carroll and Mon-
roe Counties; by Dr. Haymond, from Franklin County; by Mr. Robert Ridgway,
from Knox and Gibson Counties; by Mr. C. A. Stockbridge, from Allen County;
by Mr. Chas. Dury, from "Swan Lake," and from Fulton County by Dr. Vernon
Gould.
20
Order ANsKKKs. Lamelli rostral Swimmers
Family ANATID.E. Ducks, Geese and Swans
Subfamily MERGINjE. Mergansers.
Genus MERGANSER Brjsson.
23. Merganser americanus (mm*.). American Merganser; Fish Duck; Goosander.
A common migrant and winter resilient. Even in the coldest winters they
may be found about open water. In the northern part of the State they are resi-
dent, as they are found in some numbers throughout the summer.
Head of Re! breasted Merganser with outline of bi 1 from above, nat. siz
24. Merganser serrator Linn.). Red-breasted Merganser.
Migrant and winter resident throughout the State, rare,
in winter on Lake Michigan. (J. G. Parker.)
Said to be "not rare"
Genus LOPHODYTES Reichenbach.
*25. Lophodytes cucullatus (Linn.). Hooded Merganser.
A common migrant and winter resident, and uncommon resident. Breeds
throughout the State in suitable localities. Mr. Robert Ridgway found it breeding
in hollow trees in Knox County in the spring of 1881. (Bulletin Nutt. Orn.
Club, Jan., 1882, p. 22.)
Subfamily ANATIN.1L. River Ducks.
Genus ANAS Ljnn.eus.
* 26. Anas boschas Linn. Mallard.
A common migrant, occasional winter resident, and, in the northern part of
the State, occasional resident. HaB been found breeding in Starke County by Mr.
H. K. Coale and Mr. Ruthven Deane ; in Dekalb County by Mr. H. W. McBride.
In the summer of 1889 Mr. Deane notes that they bred quite commonly about
English Lake. Mr. Robert Ridgway thinks it may breed in Knox and Gibson
Counties.
21
27. Anas obscura Gmel. Black Duck ; Dusky Duck.
Migrant, occasional winter resident, and, in the northern part of the State, oc-
casional resident. Not so common as the last mentioned species.
Subgenus Chaulelasmus Boan parte.
28. Anas strepera Linn. Gadwall.
Rare migrant; has been identified in Franklin County by Dr. Haymond and
Mr. E. R. Quick, and by Dr. F. Stein in the lower Wabash Valley.
Subgenus Mareca Stephens.
29. Anas americana Gmel. Baldpate; American Widgeon.
Common migrant and occasional winter resident. Rare summer resident
north waiJ. Breeds. Mr. H. W. McBride informs that he found a female Bald-
pate ("Widgeon") with thirteen young at Hog-back Lake, Steuben County, in
May, 1889.
Subgenus Nettion Kaup.
30. Anas carolinensis Gmel. Green-winged Teal.
A common migrant and winter resident and, probably, summer resident
some localities in northern part of the State.
in
Subgenus Querquedula Stephens.
31. Anas discors (Linn.). Blue-winged Tkal.
Resident in some numbers. Abundant; migrant; winter resident tolerably
common. Mr. Robert Ridgway informs me of their breeding in Knox and Gibson
counties. Breeds at English Lake. - I Vane. )
Genus SPATULA Boie.
> 32. Spatula clypeata {Linn.). Shoveller; Spoon-bill.
Winter resident southward. Migrant throughout the State; not common;
rare summer resident. Mr. Ruthven Deane informs me that he thinks it breeds
along the Kankakee River, He reports a nest with nine fresh eggs obtained at
English Lake, May 4, 1890.
Head of a female Pintail
22
Genus BAFILA Stephens.
33. Dafila acuta {Linn.). Pintail.
Migrant in considerable numbers ; perhaps occasionally winters in the southern
part of the State. They have been known to remain in the lakes in the north-
ern part of the State until last week in May and to return by 21st of September.
Seen at English Lake February 14 and 15, 1891. (Deane.)
Wood Duck.
Genus AIX Boie
34. Aix sponsa {Linn.). Wood Dttck.
Migrant and summer resident in some numbers. Some perhaps winter in
southern part of the State. Breeds throughout the State and in suitable localities
is common. Builds its nest in trees, hence is called, sometimes, " Tree Duck " ; also
known as "Summer Duck." *
Gknus CAIRINA Fleming.
Cairina moschata (Linn,). Muscovy Duck.
A specimen of this beautiful duck, which Mr. Ridgway thinks may be an escaped
hybrid between a Muscovy and a tame duck, was shot near the mouth of the Big
Miami River, in Indiana, in January, 1890, and is now in the possession of Mr. J.
M. Bauer, of Lawrenceburg, Ind.
Genus AYTIIVA Boie.
36. Aythya americana (Eyt). Redhead.
A regular migrant throughout the State, not generally common, but Mr. Geo,
L, Toppan reports it as common in the northwestern part of the State.
37. Aythya vallisneria ( Wils.). Canvas-back.
Regular migrant; not common even in the lake district of the State and
hroughout the greater part of our limits quite rare.
26
Family IBIDIIXE Iuises.
Genus GUARA Rbichexbach.
58. Guara alba {Linus. White Ibis.
Rare suuitner visitor. Mr. Robert Ridgway informs me that he and Mr. Wil-
liam Brewster saw a considerable flock on the Wabash river near Mt. Carmel, 111.,
in May, 1881. They were observed on both sides of the river. The fact that they
were seen in a flock at this time of the year would seem to indicate that they per-
haps were near their breeding ground. ( Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, October, 1878, p.
166; Ibid. Vol. V, p. 32.)
Suborder CICONL55. Storks, etv.
Family CICONIIIXE. Storks and* Wood Ibises
Subfamily TANTALIX.E Wood Ibises
Wood Ibis.
Genus TANTALUS Ltxn.eus,
59. Tantalus loculator (Linn,). Wood Ibis. .
Perhaps regular summer visitor, or summer resident, in the Lower Wabash Val-
ley ; throughout the remainder of the southern two-thirds of the State rare sum-
mer visitor. The tirst account of the occurrence of these birds in the State is given
by Dr. Haymond ( Proc. Philu. Acad. Nat. Scieuce, 1856, p. 295) in which he says:
"The first day of August, 1855, a large flock of the^e birds made their appearance
in this neighborhood. They remained along the river and the White Water canal
for about a month or six weeks. A son of one of my neighbors broke the wing of
one of them and caught it. After keeping it three or four weeks, feeding it upon
fish, he gave it to me. I kept it until near the first of November, when it fell a vic-
tim, as many another biped has done, to its appetite. Some mackerel had been
placed to soak upon a table in the back 'yard, one of which he stole and ate, and
upon the evening of the next day died in convulsions." Dr. Havmond also re-
27
fers to this in Indiana Geologicat Report, 1869, p. 229. I was very much sur-
prised in the winter of 1889-90 to have brought to me by my friend, Mr. Edw.
Hughes, the skull of a Wood Ibif, the name of which he desired to know. He
said it was the skull of a bird which had been killed about three miles south of
Brook ville, and was preserved as a curiosity in the family of Mrs. St. John. At
my request he inquired the date and facts of its capture. He was informed that it
was one of a number which were seen along the river in the summer of 1855 or
1856. This was perhaps one of the same flock of which I have before spoken
Mr. Ridgway has seen it in Knox and Gibson counties several times, and concern-
ing its occurrence there remarks : M The Wood Ibis occurs numerously every sum-
mer along the Wabash, and while it may not breed, I think that it does."
Dr. F, Stein informs me that he saw a pair of Wood Ibises at " Little Chain,"
about ten miles west of Mt. Vernon, about 1874-75. Mr. C. E. Newlin, of Kokomo,
informed me that there was a specimen in the possession of Dr. 0. A. J. Morrison,
of Middle Fork, Ind. It was shot by a Mr. Harmon at "Maple Swamp," in
Carroll County, July 30, 1887. To Prof. E verm aim, who has noted the occurrence
of this species in Indiana at some length ("The Auk," April, 1889, pp. 186-7),
I am indebted for some further notes. He is satisfied of the killing of a
specimen near Terre Haute several years ago. He says he saw a mounted
specimen in a store window in Mt. Vernon, and upon inquiry learned it was
shot about Oct. 30, 1887, from a flock of about thirty-five or forty, at Hovey's
Lake, Posey County. The same authority informs me of the occurrence of nine of
these birds at Mackey 7 s Ferry, ten miles west of Mt. Vernon, Sept. 11, 1888. Mr.
Fletcher M. Noe informs me that in the collection of the late Dr. G. M. Le-
vette, which came into his possession, were some skulls of Wood Ibises labeled
"Indiana."
Suborder HEROBII. Herons; Eubtets; Bitterns, etc
Family ARDEID.E. Herons; Bitterns, etc.
Subfamily BOTAURIN.K. Bitterns,
■
Gems BOTAURUS Heermann.
Subgenus Botaurus.
Bill of Bittf rn, natural size.
60- Botaurus Ientiginosus {Montag.), American Bittern.
Regular migrant ; tolerably common; summer resident in suitable localities,
especially northward; in mild winters some may remain, about the sloughs and
29
-
*63. Ardea herodias Linn. Great Blue Heron.
Common migrant throughout the southern part of the State, breeding abun-
dantly in suitable localities north of the latitude of Indianapolis. Mr. Ridgway
also informs me that it breeds in Knox and Gibson counties. It may occasionally
Great Blue Heron.
breed throughout the Wabash Valley, I have never heard of its breeding on
the Whitewater, although it Ins been reported as breeding on the "Great Miami"
(Langdon Revised List, Journ. Cio. Soc. Nat. Hist., Jan. 1879, p. 17).
usually breed in communities of greater or less number known as "heronries/' but
occasionally are found erecting solitary nests. They have been reported also
as breeding in the following counties: Vigo (Evermann), Lake (Meyer), Allen
(Stockbridge), Porter (Trouslot), Steuben ( McBride), Dekalb (McBride), Starke
(Deane, Dury), Clinton (Ghere). It is probable some may winter, in mild winters,
within the State. They migrate very early, usually in March and April, and return
32
Suborder RALLI. Rails; Gallinules; Coots, etc.
Family RALLID^E, Rails; Gallixile^, etc.
Subfamily RALLIN.E. Rails.
Genus RALLUS Linn.eus.
*72. Rallus elegans And. Kino Rail; Red-breasted Rail; "Marsh Hen."
Migrant south ward ; summer resident, rare in some places, but common through
out the northern part of the State, where they breed in some numbers. They pass
northward in April and early May and immediately proceed to nest-building. Nests
have been found with fre-m eggs in June. (Deane ) The parents have been
noted, with " downy black " young following, June 8 and 16, 1878, June 1, 1884.
(Coale). Mr. Ridgway informs me of its breeding in Knox and Gibson counties.
Mr. Deane, under date May 11, 1890, from English Lake, says: "One nest, 12 eggs,
found by Mr. Steinman, built in over-flowed meadow; nest consisting of broken,
dried cane thrown up; the nest proper very small and the eggs piled up on top of
each other."
73. Rallus virginianus Linn. Virginia Kail.
Regular and rather common migrant; summer resident in some numbers;
locally northward, Lake County (Meyer, Parker, Toppan); Laporte County
(Byrkit). This species appears to be much more common in the spring than in the
fall migrations, in fact it is almost unknown at the latter season. Mr. Deane's
experience is the same as mine, for wriling upon this subject he says, speaking of
the English Lake region: " We never get the Virginia Rail in the fall. *
I have examined a good many bag-i of small Rail in August and September aud
have killed as many as eighty in :i morning, and no Virginias taken." Mr. Wm.
S. Perry found them equally abundant with the Sora in Aprii, 1885, in the Kan-
kakee marsh. (See notes on Yellow Rail.) Mr. H. W. McBride found them breed-
ing in Elkhart County, May 19, 189U.
Genus POKZANA Vieillot.
Subgenus Pobzana.
bora.
74. Porzaua Carolina {Linn.). Soka : Carolina Rail.
Common migrant throughout the State and common summer resident in the
northern part, where it breeds commonly. Dr. Stein informs me they are not rare
in Gibson and Knox countiep, so that it is possible that some breed iu localities
which seem well adapted to them here.
34
lish Lake — where they breed in limited numbers, ( Dury ; Deane ) ; also, at Davis
Station ( Coale ) ; Lake County, common, ( Toppan ) ; " very common about the
lakes ( George and \\ olf ), the boys collect hundreds of their eggs every year.
Arrives much later than the Coots," ( Parker ) ; Vigo, ( Evermann ) ; Dekalb,
( McBride.)
Frontal plate of a species of Coot.
Subfamily FULICINJE. Coots.
Genus FULICA Linn/eus.
79. Fulica americana Omel. American Coot.
Common migrant and possibly rare winter resident, southward; northward
summer resident, locally very common. They migrate throughout March, April
and early May, and October and November. March 5, April 25, May 16, October
5, October 21, November 21, are dates of the beginning, middle and end of the
migrations in Southern Indiana. Professor Evermann reports them breeding
commonly in Vigo County. Found at English Lake February 14 and 15, 1891,
( Deane.)
Order LIMICOLiE. Smoke Bums.
Family PHALA K< >P< >DID.E. Piiala ropes.
Genus CKYMOPHILUS Vieillot.
80. Crymophilus fulicarius [Linn.). Red Phalarofe.
Rare migrant. I am informed by Mr. R. R. Moffitt that he killed one in
Jasper County April 10, 1885, and Prof. B. W. Evermann informs me that one was
procured near Terre Haute October 23, 1889, by Dr. J. T. Scovill, of that city.
35
Genus PHALAROPUS Brisson.
Subgenus Phalarofbs.
81. Phalaropus lobatus (Linn.). Northern Phalarope.
Rare migrant. Has been identified by Mr. C. A. Stockbridge at Fort Wayne
Foot of Northern Phalarope
Head of Wilson's Phalarope, nat. size.
Subgenus Steganopus Vieillot.
82. Phalaropus tricolor ( Vieill). Wilson's Phalarope.
Rare migrant southward, summer resident northward. One killed near Frank-
fort, about May 1, 1883, and another one near same place about the same date,
1877 (Newlin). Common summer resident. Breeds in Lake County (Toppan).
Mr. J. G. Parker records thein breeding near the State line in Lake County, also.
He says they " leave for the South very early, generally by the last of July or first
of August." I have shot them near the State line in Cook County, Illinois, late in
May.
Family RECURVIROSTRID.E. Avocets and Stilts.
Genus RECURVIROSTRA Linn.eus.
83. Becurvirostra americana Gmel. American Avocet.
Rare migrant. I only know of one record from the State. Mr. Chas. Dury
informs me of a specimen in the collection of the Cuvier Club, Cincinnati, Ohio,
from "Calumet," Ind.
Family SCOLOPACIDJE. Snipes, Sandpipers, etc.
Genus PHILOHELA Gray.
84. Philohela minor (GmcL). American Woodcock.
Resident in the southwestern part of the State, and summer resident through-
out the remainder. Common in suitable localities. They pass northward in
Woodcock, with attenuate primaries nat. size.
36
March and return in November. They breed very early, eggs often being found
lata in March— March 29, March 28, March i>:», are dates of first observed for three
years. In the Whitewater Valley, owing to lack of suitable localities, they are
scarce. Still, in favorable places, a few rear their young each year. Mr. H. W.
McBride reports it in Dekalb County, February 14, 1890.
Snipe.
Genus GALLINAGO Leach.
'•85. Gallinago delicata {Ord). Wilson's Snipe.
Common migrant, rare summer resident northward. Breeds. It has been
found within the State from March 7 to Nov. 27, to my knowledge. Perhaps within
the counties of the extreme southern part some may spend the winter. They have
been found breeding sparingly in the following counties: Miami (Cunningham),
Lake (Meyer), Starke i Deane). Mr. G. Frean Morcom, Chicago, 111., has a set of
eggs which he obtained in Starke County. These Snipe vary much in number-
and also in the time of their movements during the migrations. Some years they
are found commonly early in March and other years not until early April; again,
the bulk will leave one year by the middle of April and another year will be
present into the early part of May. The same irregularity is noticeable in autumn.
The early arrival of these birda in numbers on favorite snipe grounds in the fall of
188 ( j, was noticed by all sportsmen. " On September 1st they were so numerous
a good shot could have killed forty or fifty birds in many localities in Indiana and
Illinois. * * Something has driven thousands from the North; some claim
it is due to very dry weather north of us." (Deane.) Known by the names " Eng-
lish Snipe," " Common Snipe," "Jack Snipe" and " Gutter Snipe."
Genus MACRolUI AMPHUS LkaCH.
86. Maororhamphus griseus scolopaceus {Say.). Long-billed Dowitcher; "Gray-
back;" Red -bellied Snipe.
Rare migrant. It has been reported from Allen County (Stockbridge), Starke
County (Deane), Putnam County (Black), White County, Chalmers (Dury). I have
referred to this form all the records of Red-bellied Snipe from this State for the
reasons that all the specimens I have examined, have been this form; and Mr.
Kidgway gives only this as occurring in Illinois. So far as 1 can learn the shorter-
billed form has not been distinguished within our limits..
38
Genus TOT ANUS Bechsteis.
Subgenus Glottis Koch.
Head and foot of Greater Yillow-legs, nat. size.
94. Totanus melanoleucu9 {Gmel,). Greater Yellow-legs.
Migrant; rare over the southern part of the State, more common northward-
Possibly rare resident northward. Three reported from English Lake, June 3 r
1888. (Deane.) Common at Wolf and George Lakes in August, (Parker.)
* 95. Totanus flavipes (GmeL). Yellow-legs.
Common migrant, most numerous northward, where they are summer residents
in some numbers, and occasionally breed. Mr. L. T. Meyer informs me he ob-
tained a set of four eggs in Calumet Marsh, Lake County, in 1885. In the fall they
sometimes are found in very large flocks about the marshes of Northern Indiana.
This was especially noticeable along the Kankakee River, September 1, 1889.
(Deane.)
s. More
Known locally
Head of Solitary Sandpiper, nat. size.
Subgenus IIeliodromas Kaup.
96. Totanus solitarius ( Wils.). Solitary Sandpiper.
Summer resident in some numbers, most common northward,
often found along the streams and about the ponds in the woods,
as " Peetweet/' "Teeter Snipe," and "Tilter."
Geni's SYMPIIEMIA Rafines^ue.
97. Symphemia semipalmata (Gmtl.). Willet.
Rare migrant. While it has been reported throughout the State, I do
learn that it is common anywhere. Possibly some may remain throughout
summer.
Genus BARTRAMTA Lesson.
not
the
98. Bartramia longicauda (JBeehat.). Bartramian Sandpiper; Bartram's Tattler :
Field Plover ; Upland Plover ; Prairie Plover.
Migrant and summer resident. Over most of the southern part of the State
rare, but in the more open or prairie districts they are summer residents. Has
been found breeding in Knox and Gibson counties ( Ridgway.) Mr. Dury reports
39
it breeding in several localities in the northern part of the State, and Mr, Coale
reports young able to run July 4, 1881, in Lake County.
Head of Spotted Sandpiper, nat size.
Genus ACTITIS Illiger.
*99. Actitis macularia {Linn.). Spotted Sandpiper; " Peet-weet" ; "Sandpiper."
Common summer resident, frequenting the banks and sandbars of streams
Breeds.
Long-billed Curlew.
Genus NUMENIUS Brisson.
100. Numenius longirostris Wits. Long-killed Curlew.
Migrant, not common. Has been reported from the following counties : Deca-
tur, May, 1883, (Guthrie ); Knox and White ( Dury); Allen ( Stockbridge ).
101. Numenius hudsonicus Lath. Hudsonian Curlew; "Jack Curlew.*'
Rare migrant with the preceding. (Bray ton.)
102. Numenius borealis ( Forst.). Eskimo Curlew.
Rare migrant. Reported by Mr. Dury from Vincennes and Chalmers.
Family CHARADRIID^E Plovers.
Genus CHARADRIUS Lixk.eus.
Subgenus Squatarola Cuvier.
Black-bellied Plover, nat. size.
103. Charadrius squatarola {Linn,) Black-bellikd Plover.
Rare migrant. A pair were shot at Davis Station, Starke County, May
1884, (Coale.) Reported from Knox County, March 30, 1888. ( Balmer.)
15,
40
Subgenus Charadrius Linnaeus.
104. Charadrius dominicus Mul f , American Golden Plover
-\»
Golden Plover, winter plumage.
Migrant, generally somewhat rare, but in Rome localities in the northern part
of the State common. Formerly they were abundant, but their nuniherH hav<
greatly diminished.
Killdeer Plover.
Genus .EGIALITIS Boie.
Subgenus Oxyechus Reiehenbaeh.
105. JEgialitis vocifera (Linn.). Xilldrer.
Resident southward, at least some winters; northward summer resident,
Common. Breeds. A well known bird whose voice distinguishes it.
Subgenus JFau a litis Boie.
106. JEgialitis semipalmata Bonai>. Semipalmated Plover.
Migrant, not uncommon; more frequent in the northern part of the State.
107. JEgialitis meloda (Orcf). Piping Plover.
Migrant. The two forms have not been fully separated in this State. The
next seems to be more common, but this form is at least sometimes found. Mr.
Deane noted both forms at English Lake, May 17, 1801.
42
which had none or few birds reared upon them may be found to be the quarters of
several Hocks. Some seasons they appear to mot-tly desert the uplands and seek
the river valleys. The past fall attention was called to the scarcity of Bob-whites
when the shooting season opened Throughout the uplands few or no birds were
found in most localities, although they were abundant but a few weeks before; the
river " bottoms" seemed to have an increased number on them, but doubtless the
greater number attempted a southern migration. From the best information I can
obtain the low lands bordering the Ohio river were occupied by these birds in
great numbers, many of them crossed the river into Kentucky, and many others
perished in the attempt to cross the stream. I have been told that when they
reached Kentucky they were exhausted and many of them were killed and trap-
ped without much effort and without the use of a gun. I have not learned of the
occurrence within our limits of the Florida Bob- white ( Colinus virginianus flori-
danus (Coues), which may be found in the extreme southern part of the State,,
since it has been found in southern Illinois ( Nelson, Bull. Essex Inst., Vol. IX,
1877, p. 43.) These birds are also termed "Partridges." The advantages of these
birds as destroyers of weed seeds are well known, but they are even more beneficial
as destroyers of noxious insects.
Genus BONASA Stephens.
111. Bonasa umbellus {Z"?m.). Ruffed Grouse: Partridge; Pheasant.
Head of Ruffed Grouse, nat. size.
Resident. Breeds. In the more densely wooded districts they are common ;
elsewhere they are rare and some places wanting. In the lower Whitewater
Valley 1 think they are as numerous, perhaps more so, than twenty years ago. Mr.
Ridgway has called attention (Bull. No. 4, 111. State Laboratory of Nat. Hist., p.
191) to the fact that the Ruffed Grouse of southern Illinois have rufous tails,
while those of the northern part of the State have gray tails — which he suggests is
perhaps due to climatic influences. I have never examined these birds from
northern Indiana, but throughout the southern part of the State, so far as I have
noticed, the birds have rufous tails.
Ubnus TYMPANUCHUS Glogrb.
112. Tympanuchus americanus (Reich,). Prairie Hen.
Resident over the northern and western part of the State. Breeds.
For-
merly very abundant, but now becoming fcarce in most localities. I have received
reports of its occurrence in the following counties: Knox (Balmer), Allen (Stock-
bridge), Carroll (Evermann), Clinton (Halleck), Lake (Meyer, Coale), Porter
(Trouslot), Starke (Deane), Dekalb, Steuben and Noble (McBride). Mr. Coale
reports finding a nest July 4, 1S84, at Tolleston with thirteen eggs— the usual num-
ber is eight to twelve. Known locally as "Pinnated Grouse," "Prairie Chicken""
or " ChickeD."
43
Family PHASIANIDJE. Pheasants, etc.
Subfamily MELEAGRINiE Turkeys.
Genus MELEAGRIS Linn.eus.
'•'IIS. Meleagris gallopavo Linn. Wild Turkey.
Resident. Breeds. Formerly common throughout the State, but now extinct in
most places. It is still probably found in the following counties: Knox (Balmer),
Monroe (Everniann), Grant (Davis), Dekalb (McBride) and Jefferson (Bain);
possibly others. In 1882 Mr. Ridgway reported them as common in Knox County
{Bull. Nuttall Orn. Club, January, 1882, p. 21). In 1879 they were reported as
" occasionally seen in Marion County" (Brayton). None have been seen in the
Whitewater Valley for perhaps eleven years, but I am informed they have been
killed in Ripley County within the past few years, and it is possible some are to be
found there even yet. Mr. H. F. Bain informs me of the capture of one from a
flock of seven near Deputy, Jefferson County, December 25, 1889. The old farm-
ers love to tell of turkey hunts and of their captures of turkeys in traps. These
traps were log pens, with a passage-way under one side to admit the turkeys.
They were induced to enter the pen by following a train of shelled corn, and
when within the pen it is said they would look up and try to get out of the top of
the pen and never look down to see where they came in.
Order COLUMBjE.
Family COLUMBINE. Pigeons
Genus ECTOPLSTES Swainson.
Passenger Pigeon.
*114. Ectopistes migratorius [Linn.). Passenger Pigeon ; Wild Pigeon.
Migrant; formerly very abundant but now rare; also rare resident. Have
found them frozen to death in severe weather in the winter. Occasionally breeds
here, as it does throughout the State. They are becoming rarer every year. It is
44
difficult for a young person to appreciate the accounts the older inhabitants give
of the former abundance of these birds. I am indebted to my father, now over
eighty years of age, and a native of the State, for many facts relating to these and
also other birds. He says in 1831-2 the pigeon roosts in the vicinity of Vernon,,
which had become noted as the most extensive in that part of the State, were occu-
pied by great numbers of pigeons. They moved in Hocks so large the sky could
not be seen in any direction as far as the eye could reach. They also nested in
that locality in great abundance. The " roost" in the vicinity of Brookville in
the months of January and February, 1854, while not so large as many others,
was so near home that accounts of it made an impression upon my miud. One
evening when it was cloudy my father went with a company of friends to it. The
birds were much frightened by the ehooting about their roost, and just after sun-
down arose en masse and soared out of sight in the dusk of the winter evening,
while from the direction of the cloud came a noise as of a violent windstorm. As
thedarknees increased the multitude descended and alighted upon the limbs of the
forest trees in such numbers as to break many off. After night the scene is de-
scribed as one never to be forgotten. The squawking of the pigeons, the breaking
of the limbs of giant trees beneath their living weight, the continuous rumble
arising from the whirr of countless wings, the rapid firing of guns, produced
an effect which no words can convey to one who has not experienced a night at a
11 pigeon roost." In 1869 Dr. Hnvmond said, "still seen in large numbers, though
evidently they have been constantly diminishing in numbers for the last forty
years, and are probably not half so numerous as they formerly were."
I can remember a number of interesting tlights in my boyhood, but the last
was seen in the fall of 1877, when a few hundred represented the countless num-
bers of a half century or less ago. Mr. William Brewster visited the localities so
well known as breeding grounds for pigeons throughout Michigan in the spring of
1888. While the pigeons had not made the tlight they had in former years, still
he assures us the flight was a large one. They passed beyond the lower peninsula
and doubtless found a breeding ground remote from perseculion Mr. Brewster is
of the opinion that there are left enough pigeons to restock the West, provided they
could be protected by adequate laws. ("The Auk," October, 1889, p. 285 et. seq.)
Genus ZENAIDURA Bonaparte.
Head and foot of Carol ioa Dove, nut. size.
115. Zenaidura macroura (Linn.). Mourning Dove; Carolina Dove; Turtle Dove.
Common summer resident nortUward ; southward common resident; a few
pass the winter as far north as Terre Haute (Blatchley), Carroll County, Monroe
County (Evermann), Richmond (McCoy), and possibly even further north. They
mate early and their nests with complement of eggs are often found early in April*
46
Genus ICTINIA Vieillot.
119. Ictinia mississippiensis ( WUh.). Mississippi Kite.
Rare summer resident in the southwestern part of the State; rare visitor else-
where. Mr. Ridgway informs me that it is found about the cypress ponds of Knox
County from May 15 to September. He notes that it breeds. Mr. Chas. Dury
writes me that he has a specimen of a Mississippi Kite, which was sent to him
from Lafayette several years ago, and which he supposes was killed near that
pi ace.
/ j .■ — *
■i j
t ., t '
Head «.f Marsh Harrier
Genus CIRCUS Lacepede.
120. Circus hudsouius {Linn.), Marsh Hawk.
Resident northward, winter resident southward. Breeds. Throughout the
southeastern part of the State they are of irregular occurrence in fall, winter and
spring, and are never common. In the northern part of the State they are more
common. Mr. Deane writes me of a nest and six eggs taken May 19, 1889, at
English Lake.
Genus ACCIPITER Brisson.
Subgenus Accipiter.
121. Accipiter velox {Wih.). Sharp-shinned Hawk.
Resident throughout the State; rather rare southward, but more common in
the northern part. In some localities very common. Most numerous during the
migrations. I unfortunately have but two reports of its breeding in the State —
Lake County (Meyer) and Dekalb County (McBride).
Bill and foot of Cooper's Hawk, nat. size.
48
Ckxus HALLKE1US Savigxy.
B:ild Eagle.
*129. Haliseetus leucocephalus (Linn.). Bald Eagle.
Resident locally, but distributed over the State in fall, winter and spring.
Formerly they were resident over all the State. In the Whitewater Valley, where
they formerly bred, and in fact over mo*t of southern Indiana, none are now known
to nest. They have been reported breeding in the following counties: Lake (Mc-
Bride), Laporte (Byrkit), Starke (Deane), Knox and Gibson (Ridgway K They
formerly bred in Franklin County. Most people think there are more kinds of
eagles in our State than these two. The young in their Second year have greater
stretch of wing and tail and appear larger than do adults. These are commonly
called "Gray Eagles." Still younger individuals in the black plumage are called
t: Black Eagles," which name is also sometimes applied to the Golden Eagle. The
u Washington Eagle*' is a large immature specimen of this species. This and the
^Golden Eagle are the only eagles in the United States.
Subfamily FALCON] N T JE. Falcons.
Genus FALCO Linn.eus.
Subgenus Rhynchodon Nitzsch.
130. Falco peregrinus anatum iBonap.). Duck Hawk.
Kesident locally perhaps, but generally migrant, and winter visitor,
rare, save in the Lower Wabash Valley, where Mr. Ridgway says it is not
Has been reported breeding by Mr. Ridgway in Knox and Gibson counties,
unknown in the southeastern part of the State.
Subgenus JSsalox Kaup.
131. Falco columbarius Linn. Pigeon* IIawk.
Resident northward, migrant southward;
em Indiana. I have no authentic account of
probably does.
It is
rare.
It is
rare. It ie very rare in southeast-
its breeding in the State, though it
4!>
Subgenus Tisnunculus Vieillot.
*132. Falco sparverius f/mn. American Sparrow Hawk ;" Lit-lit,"
Head of Sparrow Hawk.
Common resident. Breeds. This is wiihout doubt our most common hawk.
Subfamily PANDIONTN.K. Ospreys
Gen is PAN DION Savignt.
133. Pandion halia<tus carolinensis [(had.). American Osprey.
Migrant; in mild winters winter resident, and probably resident southward.
Locally it is summer resident northward. In the vicinity of Michigan City, it is
"abundant along the lake in summer," (Byrkit); Starke County, June 10, 1S88,
(Deane); Mr. Ridgway informs me of its breeding in Knox and Gibson counties.
Along water courses and about lakes they are often seen during the migrations,
but other places they are rare. In southeastern Indiana, never seen in summer.
Generally called " Fish Hawk " or " Fishing Eagle."
Suborder STIJIGES. Owls.
Family STKI< flD.E. Uarx < >wl*
Genus STRIX Linnaeus
•134. Strix pratincola Bonap. American Barn Owl.
Foot of Barn OwI f natural size.
Of irregular occurrence, found at all times of the year; in some localities
apparently resident. Has been reported from almost all parts of the State.
Found breeding in the following counties: Vigo, about July 18, 1890 (Evermann);
Tippecanoe, about June 15, 1890 (F. C. Test). I ascertained that they also bred
4 — A pp. Hort.
50
near Frankfort, Clinton County, in the summer of 18S9. They were more numer-
ous than I have ever known them in the State during the summer of 1889, the
succeeding winter and the past summer { ls90.) The fall of 1883 they appear to have
been somewhat common in southern Indiana and Ohio. The month of October of that
year they were particularly numerous. Mr. Dury gave an account of a company
of these occupying the tower of the town hall at Glendale, O,, and also of their oc-
currence in several neighboring localities at that time. (Journ. Cin. Soc. Nat.
Hist., Dec, 1883.)
Family BUBONID.lv Horned Owls, etc.
Gencs ASIO Brisson.
135. Asio wilsonianus { Lena.). American Long-eared Owl. I
Uncommon resident northward ; most numerous in fall, winter and spring,
when it is also found occasionally over the southern part of the State. More nu-
merous some years than others. Has been found breeding in Dekalb County, where
Mr. Herbert W. McBride caught two young ones April 29, 1890.
136. Asio accipitrinus ( Pall.). Short-eared Owl; Prairie Owl.
Irregular winter resident, occasionally common ; resident in some numbers
northward. Breeds. Two nests of the Short-eared Owl were found at English
Lake about May (>, 1890, one containing three young and two eggs, the other three
youDg, ( Deane.)
During the winter of 1S86-7, when owls and hawks of several species invaded
the States north of the Ohio river in such unusual numbers, this was the most
common species. They frequented pastures, cleared fields and roadsides. It was
not uncommon to see several of these birds at one time, either Hying or alighted.
They are reported to have been in flocks, in some cases as many as twenty-five in a
{lock. Dr. Langdon notes that, during February, 1877, a young man who was
crossing a partially inundated field counted these birds as they arose before him,
and at one time there were thirty in the air. There was only one tree in the field
and they all alighted on that tree. (Journ. Cin. Soc. Nat. Hist., Vol. XII, 1889, p.
511.)
Genus SYRNIl'M Savignt.
137. Syrnium nebulosum (Forst.). Barred Owl.
Common resident, breeds. This is well known as the "Hoot Owl." Perhaps
not so common in the Whitewater valley as in other localities.
llen.il ol Barre<l Owl.
51
Genus SCOTIAPTERYX Swaixson.
138. Scotiapteryx cinerea ( Gmel.). Great Gray Owl,
Rare winter visitor. Has been reported from Franklin County, where Mr. E.
R. Quick notes its capture Beveral years ago. •' Rare winter visitant in the north
part of the State." ( Bray ton.)
Genus NYCTALA Brehu.
* 139. Nyctala acadica ( Gmel.). Saw-whet Owl; Acadian Owl
Winter resident southward, of irregular occurrence, usually rare. Probably
resident northward. Breeds. Prof. B. W. Evermann thus describes finding its
nest in Carroll County, May 8, 1883: " In an old thicket near Burlington I found
six young Saw-whets in a hole in a dead elm. The hole was about twenty feet
from the ground and the young Owls were able to tly quite well." ( The Auk, Oc-
tober, 1888, p 351.) They, too, are comparatively numerous some years. In the
winter of 1886-7 they were quite generally distributed over the State, and were by
no means rare. Dr. A. W. Brayton informw me that winter they were rather com-
mon in Indianapolis. '
Genus MEGASCOPS Kaup.
:; 140. Megascops asio [Linn.). Screech Owl; Little Red Owl; Little Gray Owl;
Mottled Owl.
Screech Owl,
Common resident. Breeds. They vary in number?. Some years in winter
they are actually abundant. The fact that this species is found in both the red
and gray plumage leads many to think they are distinct forms; such is not the
case. Mr. Ridgway has shown that in the Wabash Valley fully 95 per cent, of
the Screech Owls are red. He intimates that the number of red forms may bear a
52
decided relation to the humidity of the atmosphere, and evidences this by the
preponderance of red Screech Owls in the Mississippi Valley, while east of the
Alleghenies the gray phase predominates (Proc. U. S. Nat, Mus., 1S78, p. 108). In
an investigation made by Dr. F. W. Langdon of a collection of Screech Owls made
from southeast Indiana and southwest Ohio, he showed that of fifty-six specimens
examined thirty-two were red and twenty-four gray. While the proportion de
termined by Mr. Ridgway does not hold here, the red phase predominates (Jour.
Cin. Soc. Nat. Hist., April, 1S82, pp. 52-53). It however seems probable that this
prevalence of the red phase, in some parts of our State at least, does not continue.
Prior to 1882 I can remember when in Franklin County a red Screech Owl was
rare; nearly all were gray. In the winter of 1886-87 red ones were abundant and
gray ones exceedingly rare. Throughout the northern part of the State it has
been usually understood that the gray form predominated, but some years the red
phase is much more common. Prof. Evermann says of Carroll County: "In
1877-79 we got a good many Screech Owls at Camden, perhaps twenty all told, and
1 think there were only four or five red ones. Since 1885 I have seen four or five
at Burlington, all red. Since 1886, at Terre Haute, I have seen perhaps fifteen or
twenty, and only three or four of them were gray."
Genus BUBO Cuviee.
141. Bubo virgiuianus {Gmel.). Great Horned Owl.
Great Horned Owl.
Common resident. Breed . The most common owl, excepting |the Screech
Owl. Known as "Long-Eared Owl."
53
Genus NYCTEA Stephens
142. Nyctea nyctea {linn.). Snowy Owl.
Snowy Owl.
Winter visitor, generally rare. Probably occurs every winter in the northern
part of the State, but is irregular Fouthward. Some years they are much more
numerous than others. The winter of 1S3G-7 they were found all over the State
in some numbers. In some localities several were taken. The winter of 1885*6
thev were more numerous than usual. Thev seldom are seen in the lower White-
water Valley.
Genus SURNIA Dumeril.
143. Surnia ulula caparoch {M\\U.). American Hawk Owl.
Rare winter visitor. The only record 1 know is that of Mr. E. R. < t >uick, who
identified it in Franklin County in January, 1878.
Okhek PSITTAl. 1 !. Parrots; .Macaws: Paroquets; etc.
Family PSITTACIDJE.
Genus CONURUS Kuhl.
144. Conurus carolinensis (I. inn.), Carolina Paroquet.
Formerly found throughout the greater part if not all the State. Have
been taken in Michigan; and Ohin, near the mouth of Maumee, and up the Wa-
bash almost to its head. They were much more numerous in the southern part of
the State. They were found in Hocks of from six to a hundred individuals. Dr.
Haymond mentions them as "formerly very numerous along the Whitewater
river." (Proc. Phila. Acad., Nov. 1856, p. 293.) After some investigation
I have secured approximately the dates when they were last seen in different
54
parts of the State. In 1S06 they probably extended to its northern boundary. In
1835 they were last seen in Franklin County; 1839 in Switzerland County; 1832 in
Marion County ; 1836 in Monroe County ; 1844 in Clark County ; 1849 in Greene
County ; 1858 in Posey County, and with that the State. They have so contracted
their range and become so reduced in numbers that none are probably now closer
to us than Southwestern Missouri, Western Arkansas or Indian Territory, Over
Carolina Paroquet.
the southern portion of our State these birds were present throughout the year.
It is said they roosted and bred in hollow-trees. Mr. W. B. Seward, of Blooming-
ton, told me of his securing some young ones which were taken from a hollow-tree.
They preferred the vallies of rivers and streams. In fall and winter their favorite
food was the "cuckle-burr" or "cockle-burr" (Xanthium canadense Mill,) which grew
abundantly on the river bottoms. In spring they were very destructive to orchards,
biting out the tender shoots and eating the blossoms and young fruit. In summer
they lived largely on fruit and grain.
Order COCCYGES. Cuckoos, etc.
Suborder CUCULL Cuckoos, etc.
Family CUCULIDiE. Cuckoo>, Anis, etc.
Subfamily COCCYGIN.E. American CrcKoos.
Grnus COCCYZUS Vjeillot.
145. Coccyzus americanus (Linn.). Yellow-bt.led Cuckoo.
Common summer resident, arrives early in May and remains until
October. April 23, 1888 (Greensburg), and October 13 (Sedan, Dekalb
early in
County)
55
are unusual dates. In Southern Indiana they mate soon after their arrival, and
throughout June may be found noting. I have found the nest with eggs at Brook-
ville May 20. They are much more numerous in May aud at that time may often
be seen in numbers — one might almost say Hocks — about the orchards and lawns,
Yellow-billnl Cuckoo
pursuing a relentless warfare against insects. A few years ago I had my attention
attracted to these birds in an interesting way. In the early part of May I observed
that the apple trees in my orchard were greatly infested by tent caterpillars.
Early one morning I heard the unmistakable note of the Cuckoo. Taking my
gun I went to the orchard to obtain a specimen for which I had been waiting.
When I approached one of the trees nearest the house I saw a Cuckoo busily en-
gaged among some caterpillar*' nests. It seemed to be picking up something in
its bill and dropping it to the ground. Upon investigation it was found to be
picking out the larvae and squeezing the juices from the body between its mandi-
bles, then dropping the skins to the ground. The orchard seemed to be alive with
these plain colored birds. By noon none were to be found, nor were there any
caterpillars left. Every nest had been torn to shreds and the insects were all
killed. These birds, of both species, are better known by the bauie "Rain Crow"
than by any other term.
146. Coccyzus erythrophthalmus ( Wila.). Black-billed Cuckoo.
Summer resident ; northward as common or more so than the Yellow- billed
species; southward it has been more rare, but Prof. Evermann informs me of late
years in the central-western half of the State it has been more common than the
other form. In the southeastern part of the State it is rare save during the
migrations. It breeds throughout the State. The two species of Cuckoos are con-
founded by most people. Remarks which are made concerning the benefits of the
Yellow-billed Cuckoo apply equally to this. The European Cuckoo is noted for its
habit of depositing its eggs in the nests of other birds. Our species have been but
very rarely found guilty of so doing.
56
ISibobder ALCYONES. Kingfishers.
Family ALCEI UNI I LE. Kingfishers.
(I ends CERYLE Boie.
Subgenus Streptoceryle Bonaparte.
147- Cervle alcvon {Linn,). Belted Ktsgeisher.
iJtltid Kingfisher.
Common summer resident northward in suitable localities; resident south-
ward, generally common, but during severe winters somewhat rare. In some
localities, where nesting sites and running streams are not found, they are scarce.
Where they are not resident they arrive in March or early April, and depart late
in October or early November. Mr. H. W. McBride reported one from Dekalb
County February 15, 1888. In the southern part of the State they often pair early
in April, and in early May their nests will be found.
Order PICI. Woodpeckers; Wrynecks, etc.
Family PICII>.E. Woodpeckers.
Genus CAMPEPHILUS Gray.
148. Campephilus principalis {Linn.). Ivory-billed Woodpecker.
Formerly a resident in the southern part of the State, perhaps not generally
distributed; now extinct. Dr. Haymond notes it as a former resident of Franklin
County, but says " none have been seen for many years." (Ind. Geol. Rept., 1869,
p. 211.) He informed me they formerly were found in the swampy woodland in
57
the eastern part of the county about what were called the " Beaver Ponds." Prof.
Evermann informs me that they were formerly found in Monroe County, also, hav-
itig been identified many years ago by the late Louis Bollman.
Ivory- billed Woodpecker.
Genus DRYOBATES Boie.
*149. Dryobates villosus {Linn.), Hairy Woodpeckeu ; Virginia Woodpecker.
Common resident; more numerous however in fall, winter and spring. Breeds.
Known as "Big Sapsucker" and "Big Spotted Woodpecker" to distinguish it
from its smaller relative which it so much resembles in coloration.
58
*150- Dryobates pubescen9 ( [Linn.). Doov Woodpecker
Head of Downy Woodpecker, tiat. sizs.
Common resident; more numerous than the species last mentioned and more
sociable, being found in company with many other species of birds in winter,
wandering through the woods and thickets and orchards. Also more numerous in
the southern part of the State, at leant during fall, winter and spring. Called
^apsucker" and "Little Spotted Woodpecker."
tl C!
Genus SPHYRAPICUS Baird.
•161. Sphyrapicus varius {Linn.). Yellow-bellied Woodpecker
Head of Yellow-bellied Woodpecker, nat. size.
Common migrant; winter resident in some numbers southward; summer resi-
dent locally northward. It has been reported breeding in the following counties:
Carroll (Everniann), Laporte (H. P. Coburn), Marion (Hay), Dekalb (Hine),
Starke — English Lake, breeding June 3, 1888 (Deane). I do not know of their
breeding in the southern part of the State. In Franklin County I have records
running from September 24 to April 30. This in the true Sapsucker, and is gener-
ally known as that or "Yellow-bellied Sapsucker." They do great damage in
spring to the fruit and shade trees, especially the sugar maple, Acer saccharinum
(Wang.) They perforate the bark with holes arranged in bands or spirals about
the trunk of the tree or larger limbs, from which the sap sometimes flows in
streams. I have counted six of these birds on a dozen sugar maples in front of
one lot in my own town. In winter they are especially severe on coniferous trees.
59
Norway pines in my yard have been girdled until they became puny, sickly trees
and were cut down, and one tree was so girdled about two-thirds its height from
the ground that it was broken off during a wind-storm. I am indebted to Mrs.
Jane L, Hine for some very interesting notes on this species. She says that she
first observed them in summer, in Dekalb County in 1888, and that year they were
very common. She mentions seeing their young more often than those of any
other woodpecker that summer. In the spring of that year Mrs. Hine, who is a
faithful observer of nature and a careful recorder of her observations, while
spending a day in the woods, was attracted by the actions of a Yellow-bellied
Woodpecker which had tapped a young tree near its top. It would sip the sap
and then wait for it to collect, and feed again. This was continued for several
hours. The observer watched the bird from 10 o'clock in the morning until 5 in
the evening, and left the woodpecker just where she first saw it. It had not moved
more than a yard from the hole in the entire seven hours. Since 1888 they have
bred rarely, if at all, in Dekalb County.
Genus CE0PHL<EUS Cabanis.
152. Ceophloeus pileatus [Lim,), Pileated Woodpecker
Foot of Pileated Woodpecker, nut. mzc
Formerly tolerably common resident; now extinct in many localities and
rare in all others. Breeds. None have been seen in Franklin County for twenty
years or more, and probably none are now to be found in the Whitewater Valley,
It has been reported as present, but rare, in the following counties within the past
few years: Monroe (Evermann, Blatchley), Vigo (Jenkins), Dekalb (McBride),
Porter (Trouslot), Decatur (Shannon), Starke (Coale, Dury), Allen (Stockbridge),
Gibson and Knox (Ridgway). Many are the interesting accounts given of these
birds by the older citizens, who knew them as " Logcock," " Black Woodcock" and
" Woodcock."
Genus MELANERPES Swainson.
„ Subgenus Melanerpes.
153. Melanerpes erythrocephalus {Linn.), Red-headed Woodpecker.
A well known common species. Throughout the northern half of the State
it is common from March to November usually, but it is occasionally also seen in
winter. In Southern Indiana it is a resident most years, but it occasionally hap-
pens that few or none are seen in winter. In Southeastern Indiana they are not
often noted in the river valleys in winter, but among the timber of the higher
lands may usually be found, descending to the lower lands in February and
March.
60
Subgenus Centurus Swain son.
154. Melanerpes carolinus {Linn.). Red-bellied Woodpecker; "Guinea Wood-
pecker.
• •
Resident throughout the State, more cotuiuon in the southern portion
fers the denser woodlands and most often to he sought upon the uplands,
birds are quite shy and very auspicious.
Pre-
These
Genus COLAPTKS: Swaixsok.
155 Colaptes auratus {Linn.). Flicker; Yellow Hammer ; High-hole; Golden-winged
Woodpecker.
Common throughout the State. Resident in numbers southward, but not
common in winters northward. Throughout fall, winter and early spring they are
gregarious and may be found feeding in companies upon the meadows and stub-
ble fields.
Order MACR-OCHIRES. Goatsuckers; Swifts; et<
Suborder CAl'RIMULGL Goatsuckers; etc
Family CAPRIMULGID.E. Goatsuckers; etc 1 .
Genus ANTROSTOMUS Gould.
156. Antrostomus carolinensis {Gmeh). Chuck wili/s-widow.
A summer resident in the lower Wabash valley, perhaps not rare. Breeds.
(Ridgway.) Mr. Ridgway writes me concerning it* occurrence: "I have both
seen the Chuck-will's-Widow and frequently heard its unmistakable note in Knox
County, immediately opposite Mt. Carmel," (111.) Mr. William Brewster was with
Mr. Ridgway, April 20, 1878, when they identified a bird of this species, which
hovered around their skill that evening on the Indiana shore.
Whip poor-will.
157- Antrostomus vociferus ( Wils.). Whip-poor-will.
A well known summer resident, arriving in Southern Indiana usually the
second week in April. They deposit their two eggs upon a few leaves in some
natural depression in the ground soon after they arrive. They do not appear as
numerous as they were some years ago, yet in mutable localities several individuals
may be found of an evening cccupying the same limited thicket on some warm
hillside where they voice their characteristic uote by the hour.
61
Genus CHORDEILES Swainson.
Night Hawk
:t 158. Chordeiles virginianus (Gnu I). Night Hawk; Bull-Bat.
Throughout the northern part of the State a common summer resident, breed-
ing in suitable localities; further south they are not common in summer and but
few breed. In some cities they have been found breeding upon the flat roofs of the
houses. They arrive during May and June and depart in September. It is a very
interesting si»ht to see, at dusk some pleasant September evening, the great num-
bers migrating along some water-course, for then they may be seen to best advan-
tage.
Suborder CYPSELL Swifts.
Family MICROPGDID.E. Swifts.
Subfamily CrT.ETURIN-E Spine-tailed Swifts
Genus CILETURA Stephens.
*^™^^"^T#^^i^^^^"
Head ami tail feather of Chimney Swift; nat. size.
159. Chsetura pelagica ( Linn.). Chimney Swift.
Common summer resident throughout the State Breeds. In some localities
colonies of these birds may still be found occupying hollow trees as nesting site?.
I have also known them to build their nests in ashed upon a beam. They are
such nuisances in houses with large, old-fashioned chimneys that many persons
cover the tops of the chimneys with coarse wire-cloth to exclude the birds.
62
Suborder TROCIIILI. Hummingbirds.
Family Trochilid^e. Hummingbirds.
Genus TROCHILUS Linnjeus.
Subgenus Trochilus.
160. Trochilus colubris Linn. Ruby-throatkd Hummingbird.
This beautiful little bird, the only species of its family found within our limits,
is a common summer resident throughout the State, where it breeds abundantly.
They arrive from the South in early May. Occasionally they appear before our
latest "cold snap," and when such is the case great numbers of them perish. I had
several brought to me dead one morning after a freeze in early May, and was told
of several others which had been seen.
Ordkk PASSIyRES. Perching Birds.
Suborder (JLAMATORES. Sonqless Perching Birds
Family TYRANNIDiE. Tyrant Fly-catchers.
Genus TYRANNUS Cuvier
Kingbird
161. Tyrannus tyraunus {Linn.). Kingbird.
An abundant summer resident. Breeds. Well known to most persons under
the names, "Bee-bird" and " Bee-martin." They are very destructive to bees, and
persons engaged in bee culture wage a relentless warfare against these birds. While
an occasional one may exhibit in an unusual degree its liking for bees, we may all,
I think, agree with Dr. Cones when he says "it destroys a thousand noxious insects
for every bee it eats."
Suborder OSCINES. Bong Birds
Family ALAUDIDJE. Larks.
Genus OTOCORYS Bonaparte
170. Otoeorys alpestris £<"«.). Horned Lark.
Horned Lark.
Rare winter visitor in the northern part of the State. A specimen collected
by Mr. G. Frean Morcom, at Davis Station, Starke County, Mr. Ridgway identi-
fied as this species. Mr. H. K. Coale obtained six specimens of this form at Tracy
Station, Indiana, February 10, 1887. Perhaps occurs throughout the northern
half of the State. Has been found at Mt. Carmel, 111. (Dwight, "The Auk,"
April, 1890, p. 142.)
171. Otocorys alpestris praticola Heneh. Prairie Horned Lark.
Resident, common northward, rarer southward, where it is an abundant win-
ter visitor. Has been noted breeding at Bloomiogton, Greensburg and Richmond.
I am confident they breed near Brookville, although I have not succeeded in find-
ing the nest. Young were found there June 21, 1891.
Family CORVID.E. Crows, Jays, Magpies, et<
Subfamily GARRULIN^E. Magpies and Ja\
*«
Genus CYANOC1TTA Strickland.
172. Cyanocitta cristata {Linn.). Blue Jay.
A common resident throughout the State. Breeds.
Subfamily CORVINE Crows,
Genus CORVUS Linn.kus.
*173. Corvus corax sinuatus {Wagl.). American Raven.
Formerly a common resident, now extinct throughout the southern part of the
State, but still occasionally found in the northern part. Breeds. "It frequents
the sand hills along the phores of Lake Michigan from October until spring, eat-
ing the dead fish thrown up by the lake." (Bray ton, Trans. Ind. Hort. Soc, 1879,
p. 129.) The past winter (1890-1) they were not uncommon in the eastern part
of Allen County. (Stockbridge.)
65
174. Corvus americanus Awl. American Crow.
Resident, common southward but not ro numerous in winter northward.
Breed?. They sometimes congregate in immense (locks in some locality in the
winter. Such places are called "rousts." Mr. Blatchley informs me there is a
"roost" near Terre Haute. I have never seen one of these locations. Upon the
authority of an observing farmer near Indianapolis I learn of an interesting bit of
biographical matter which has heretofore escaped my notice. A year or two ago
his tomato patch was infested with great numbers of worms and he was compelled
to wage relentless warfare against the unwelcome visitors. < >ne dny he observed a
crow acting in an unusual manner among hi* plants. Upon investigation he
found it was eating " tomato worms." The next day more crows were seen among
the vines, and for a few days the company increased until quite a number daily
sought his tomato plants, depending upon the ins-cts caught for their food. This
was continued until the " worms" were all killed.
Family ICTERID.E. Blackbirds; Grilles; etc
Gents DOLICHONVX Swainsos.
Bobolink.
175. Dolichonyx oryzivorus {Linn.), Bobolink; White-winged Blackbird.
Known in various localities as " Ortolan," ( ' Reed-bird," u Rice-bird," Skunk
Blackbird, Bob Lincoln, Butter-bird ( Jamaica \ Common summer resident
northward. Migrant southward in variable numbers. Has been noted as breeding
as far south as Indianapolis ( Dr. Brayton ), Richmond and Muncie. I found it
on June 13, 1891, near the southern limit of Wayne County. The song of
the male in spring is the charm of the northern prairies and meadows. Little
would the uninitiated suppose the plain, quiet, brown bird of the stubble fields in
autumn the same whose happy voice proclaimed the pride he felt in his striking
coat of black and white, whose cheery notes and lively ways gave the hitherto
unattractive grass-land an interest before unknown.
Genus MOLOTIIRUS Swainson.
••176. Molothrus ater ( Btdd.). Cowbird.
Common summer resident. Generally gregarious. Lays its eggs in the nests
of othpr birds. Arrives from the South sometimes early in March and remains
into November,
5 — A pp. Hort.
66
Genus XANTH0CEP11ALUS Bonaparte.
177. Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (Bonap.). Yellow-headed Bla< kbird.
Summer resident among the lakes and swamps of the northwestern part of
the State, said to be common occasionally in Lake County. Mr, Charles Dury
has also obtained specimens from English Lake. Breeds in Lake County (Toppan )
also abundantly about Mud Like, on the Illinois and Indiana line.
Genus AGELAIUS Vieillot.
178. Agelaius phoeniceus ( L inn,). Rrd-winged Blackbird; Swamp Blackbird
Red-shouldered Blackbird.
Common summer resident, ^lost numerous in the vicinity of swamps and
marches. Breeds.
Genus STURNELLA Vieillot.
*179. Sturnella magna {linn.). Meadow Lark.
Bill and foot of Meadow Lark, nat. size,
Abundant summer resident. Breeds. Kesident in some numbers in the southern
part of the State. I do not know that the Western form (Sturnella magna neglecta)
has been found within the State, but I identified a specimen in Cook County, 111.,
near the Indiana line, in March, 1890. Oher specimens have been recorded from
the same county (Ridgway, The Ornithology of Illinois, vol. 1, p. 318).
Genus ICTERUS Brisson
Subgenus Pendulinus Vieillot.
*180, Icterus spurius (Linn.), Orchard Oriole.
Summer resident, locally common ; seems to be becoming more common each
year. Breeds. Although they occasionally eat some fruit they are not to be con-
sidered non-beneficial, but rather they are great insect destroyers in spring and
early summer about the orchard, and later among the cornfields, whore the family
may be found in company after they have left the nest. My attention has been
called to the fact that they are great destroyers of insects which make a cocoon of
the leaves of the grape.
Subgenus Yph antes Vieillot.
*181. Icterus galbula (Linn.). Baltimore Oriole; Hang-Nest; Firk Bird.
Summer resident; most numerous along water- courses and about lakes
These birds appear to be becoming less numerous each year.
breeds.
68
Genus CARPODACUS Kaip.
186. Carpodacus purpureus {GrmeL). Purple Finch.
Regular migrant; sometimes winter resident in the southern part of the State-
In the winter of 1887-8 they remained all winter as far north as Dekalb County
Bill of Purple Finch.
i Mrs. Hioe). They doubtle-s occasionally remain through the summer in the
northern part of the State. They are must common in Southern Indiana in spring,
when they may be found in Hocks feeding upon the elm buds.
Gekus LOXIA Lisx.eus.
187. Loxia curvirostra minor {Brehrtt). American Crossbill.
Irregular winter visitor throughout the State, most numerous northward, where
they are, some winters, wry commou. In the t-outhem part of the State they are
comparatively rare, and are most often seen in spring and autumn. They are
usually more often noted throughout the State during the migrations. Jn the
northern part of the State they sometime* remain until late April and early May.
Delaware County. April 17, 1888 (William-on) ; Dekalb County, April 27, '8
(Snyder), April 29, '90 ( H. W. McBride) ; Lake County, May, 1887 (Parker). A
most unusual occurrence was the identification of sever.il birds of this species near
Bloomington, Indian*, by the late Mr. C H. Bollman, July 10, 13 and 14, 1886*
(Evermann; Hoosier Nat., May, 1887, p. 141.}
188. Loxia leucoptera Gu>el. \\ hite-wingkd Crossbill.
Win'er visitor, of r»re »nd irregular occurrence generally. The tfrst record
known to me is a pair obtained at Ft. Wayne, about 1878. The female in now in
the collection of Mr. C. A. Stock bridge. Prof. B. W. Everrnann obtained several
White- winged Crossbill.
in Monroe County, in February, 1883. Mr. J. W. Bvrkit informs me that thev
were found in numbers in company with Luia americanc in the winter and spring
of 1883-4, near Michigan City, Indiana.
7'»
Bloomington, February 2, 1883; Mr. Balnier reports it as a winter resident in
Knox County; Judge McBridr gives it as a rare winter visitor in Pekalb County;
Mr. By r kit makes the same note with reference to Laporte County. Mr. Stock-
bridge notes it as a regular winter visitor, but rare in Allen County. He has a
pair in his collection taken in 1880 near Fort Wayne. Dr. J. T. Scovell has three
specimens which he took near Terre Haute in the winter of 1881-2. They were
in company with a lloek of Horned Lark-.
Calcarius pictus {Swains.), Smith's Longspur: Painted bONGSPUR.
Migrant, common in the vicinity of Lake Michigan, at times at least. "Nel-
son observed this species as a common migrant on the borders of Lake County,
Indiana, where even seventy- live were seen in a Hock." | Bray ton. Train*. Ind. Hort.
Soc, 1879, p. 121.)
Genus POOC/KTES Baird.
196. Poocaetes gramineus {(rmel.)* Vesper Sparrow: Bay winged Bunti^ ; Gra-
Finch.
Common summer resident. Breeds. Possibly resident in the extreme southern
'part of the State. In Franklin County they are present some years from the
middle of February to early November. They first arrive in small Hocks, but pair
ibout April 10. They are beautiful h< masters, their sweetest pongs swell forth at
twilight, associated with the notes of insect life, the glow of the tiretly, the call of
the Whip-poor-will. It is the vesper hymu, hence its author is known as the
Vesper Sparrow. Many pretty things have been said of this plain, sweet-voiced
finch. It has been called "The poet of the plain, unadorned pastures." .John
Burrows has used his gifted pen to good advantage in describing that which
vC harms one in this well known bird.
Genus PASSER Brisson.
197. Passer domestica Linn.). European House Sparrow: " English Sparrow.
' r
English Sparrow, m:ile.
11
that I did not know if. Cautiously stepping backward until I could shoot it with-
out deBtroyirg it, 1 was enabled to secure it. It is probable that investigation will
j»rove that it is more common and perhaps breeds in the northern counties.
Subgenus Ammodramus Swainson.
'202. Ammodramus caudacutus nelsoni Allen. Nelson's Sparrow.
Doubtle:- a summer resident in the northwestern counties of tl.e State,
'from, which portion only I have heard of it. It frequents the marshes and is hard
to observe. September 25, ISTo, Mr. H. K. Coale notes, "we saw about a dozen
Sbarpiail Finches {A. nelsoni); ihey were in the grass along Berry Lake " (Lake
County). Dr. A. W. Brayton informs me that he has taken the species in Lake
County, Information concerning this species from Indiana is very desirable.
Gems ClloNDESTES Swainson.
"^203. ^Jhondestes gramniacus (>'<'i/.)- Lark Sparrow.
Bather common summer resident. Breeds. This bird is a comparativelv re-
•cent introduction to our fauna, having been first recognized in Franklin County,
.about 1877. Not many years ago it was unknown this far east, at least this was
Head of Lark Sparrow, nat. size.
the case in southeastern Indiana. A few years since it was rare, but each year it is
becoming more numerous. They delight to spend much of their time along some
dusty road, flying up ahead of the passing traveler and exhibiting their decided
markings and rounded tail, each feather so beautifully tipped with white, so that
the observing person may readily recognize the species. They arrive in flocks late
n April and early in May, and, alter rearing their young, collect iu flocks in
August and begin their southern pilgrimage.
Genus Z0N0T1UCHIA Swaixson.
» j gr t
Head of White-crowned Sparrow, nat. size.
J04. Zonotrichia leucophrys (F< t.). White- crowned Sparrow; " Peabodt Bird."
Common migrant. Very noticeable late in April and early in May. I al-
ys associate this beautiful bird with the fragrance of apple blossoms, for
i
they come together and seetu to ba fitly connected in my mind. The White-
crowned Sparrow frequents the orchard, garden and more open thickets, and in the
spring-time betrays its presence by it characteristic Bong.
Head of White-throated sparrow, nat. size.
205. Zouotrichia albicollis {GmeD. White-throated Sparrow*
Abundaut migrant, perhaps rare summer resident in the northern part of the
State. Mr. E. A. Colby shot one at Berry Lake (Lake County) July 23, 1887, (Coafe)_
The greater number are observed in the migrations from March 15 to May 15 7 and
from September 25 to November 1. They are usually found in flocks of consider-
able size, in which they differ from the last mentioned species.
Genus SPIZELLA Bonaparte.
206. Spizella monticola {Gmel.). Tree Sparrow.
Abundant winter resident, found in flocks often in company with Junoos.
They are usually present in southern Indiana from early November until early
April. Mr. Blatchley has reported them from Bloomington as late as April 19,
which is unusually late.
207. Spizella socialis (Wih.). Chipptn<; Sparrow.
Familiarly known as " Chip bird" or " Chippy." Abundant summer resident ;
breeds; arrive March 10 to 20 and depart October 15 to 25. No bird is held in
higher esteem. Even the boys, who will wantonly kill almost any other birO.
would not kill a "Chippy."
•
m
Head of Chipping Sparrow, nat. size.
208. Spizella pallida {Swains.). Clay-colored Sparrow.
Rare or accidental. Possibly migrant or summer resident. They are sumroe
residents in western and northern Illinois. (Ridgway, Bull. No. 4, 111. State Lab-
oratory of Nat. Hist.) But one instance has been reported of its occurrence in tie
State. Mr. W. S. Blatchley shot a specimen from a flock of sparrows near Terre
Haute, September 27, 1890.
id
Genus PASSERELLA Swainson
Bill of Fox Sparrow, nat.sixe,
216. Passe rella iliaca (Merr.). Fox Sparrow ; Rrd Sparrow.
Common migrant. A large and beautiful fox-colored sparrow, which arrives
sometimes about the middle of February, and leaves by middle of April. Return-
ing, they are present throughout October. They frequent thickets, brier patches-
and brush piles, and are of a retiring habit.
Genus PIPILO Vieillot.
217. Pipilo erythrophthalmua I £■«/*.). Towhee; "Chew-ink:" "Jewee;" Ground- Robin;
Marsh Robin.
Common resident southward, summer resident northward. Breeds. Distribu-
ted everywhere among bushes and thickets; sometimes even found within the
larger towns. Nest usually upon the ground, but occasionally in a bush. The
males have a very pretty song. The first three nanus are derived from the ordi-
nary call of the bird, which somewhat resembles the words used. They are notice-
ably more common during the migration*. Usually nests on the ground, but occa-
sionally the nests are found several feet high in bushes.
Genus CAR DIN A LIS Bonaparte.
Head of Cardiml, nut. sfza.
218. Cardinalis cardinalis {Linn.). Cardinal; Cardinal Grosbeak; "Red-bird."
Very common resident in the southern half of the State, north of that they
are perhaps resident, but vary much in numbers, according to localities. Breeds.
They are rare in Dekalb County ( Hon. R. Wes Mc Bride, Mrs. J. L. Hine ); Porter
County ( Trouslot, Byrkit i; Allen County ( Stockbridge). In the extreme north-
west counties of the State they are very rare, and may be said to be of accidental
occurrence. They nest quite early in April. They are easily tamed and are
largely captured in many localities for cage birds. The song is a very character-
istic one, only resembled so far as I know by some of the n^tes of the Carolina
Wren. The Cardinal is one of the most noticeable features of our avian fauna.
76
Genus 1IABIA Reicbenbach.
Head of Rose-bren^tevHtro&bepk, nat. size.
219. Habia ludoviciana (Linn.). Rose-breasted Grosbeak.
Common summer resident throughout the greater part of the northern half of
the State, and rarely as far south as RIoomington, Indiana. Audubou found them
noting near Cincinnati, Ohio. Over the Houthern part of the State the species is
known as a migrant of irregular occurrence. Some years they are very abundant
and others they are rare or wanting. They appear in Southern Indiana about
April 25 and leave by May 10; in autumu they arrive about September 20 and
leave October 10. They have somewhat the appearance of a Red-headed Wood-
pecker when seen flying through the woods at some distance. Their son^ ig a very
beautiful one; one which readily attracts attention and will never be forgotten.
Head of Lluc Grosbeak, nat. size.
G ENUS GUIR ACA SWA INSON.
20. Guiraca caerulea ( Linn.). Blue Urosbkak.
A rare or accidental visitor to the southwestern part of the State. The only
record of its occurrence is that given by Mr. Ridgway. He observed a specimen in
Knox Countv in the spring of 1881.
Genus PASSERINA Vieillot.
~22L Passerina cyanea {Linn.). Indh.o Bunting.
Abundant summer resident; breeds. A well-known species found among
bushes and thickets, usually nesting on a low bush. Arrives about April 25
(22-26) and leaves last of September (13-24). They mate about the middle of
May.
80
of the writer. Mr. C. A. Stockbririge, writing in 1889, informs rne that "about
ten years aeo" (most probably in the winter of 1879-80) three specimens were
Bohemian Wax wing.
shot a short distance from Lafayette, two of which are in the collection of Prof. H
Duemling, of Fort Wayne, and the other in my own.
231. Ampelis cedrorura {ViellL). Cedar WAXwrm; ; Cedar Bird: Cherry Bird.
A
S
\
s
Head of Cedar Bird, nat. size.
Resident throughout the State; more common northward in summer and
southward in winter; breed-. These birds are usually found in Hocks. They are
81
great rovers, rambling over the country at will. They breed in considerable num-
bers, at times among the shade trees of our towns. In winter their favorite food
appears to be the Hack berry [Celtis occidentcdis L.). In cherry time they are the
most persistent robbers of all the cherry-loving birds. They have no fear of man,
dog or gun, and after being frightened away, promptly return to the feast they re-
luctantly left.
Family LANI1D-E. Shrikes.
Genus LAN I US Linn.eus.
232. Lanius borealis {Vieill.). Northern Shrike; Butcher Bird.
Butcher Bird.
Winter resident; usually tolerably common northward, more rare south-
ward, but occasion ally found in some numbers. This species has been reported as
breeding in the northern part of the State, but its breeding range is far to the
northward. Owing to this fact it is probable that another Shrike was mistaken
for it.
233. Lanius ludovicianus Linn, Loggerhead Shrike.
Rare summer resident in southern half of the State. Breeds. Arrives from
the South March 15 to 25, and returns about November 1 to 15. The birds found
throughout the southern part of the State, so far as I have observed, seem to be thi
form. In the southeastern part of the State the specimens taken are typical.
*234. Lanius ludovicianus excubitoroides {Swains.). White-bumped Shrike.
Summer resident in the northern half of the State, found locally in some num-
bers. Breeds. The Shrikes found in summer in northern Indiana appear to
approach this form, so I have for the present included it. Mr. Ridgway, writing of
the birds of Illinois, seems disposed not to admit it to the fauna of that State (Orn.
of 111., Vol. I, pp. 194-7).
While these birds destroy some small birds, on the whole they are beneficial,
because of the number of small mammals and insects, particularly grasshoppers,
which they capture.
6 — A pp. Hort.
84
patches and busby lowlands, and may be readily known by its loud peculiar note.
Arrives April 23-30 and remains until about the middle of September ( Sept. 13).
Its note has been translated by the boys of Illinois, says Mr. Ridgway, as
"chick? ty-beaver, liinber, slick, with special emphasis on the first syllable of each
word." In Bermuda the natives express its notes as saying " <jingcr beer, quick/ "
Family MNIOTILTID.E. Wood-Warblers.
Genus MNI0T1LTA Yieillot.
"241. Mniotilta varia (Linn.). Black and White Warbler : Black and White Creeper.
v. -_-
Head of Black and White Creeper, nat. size.
Common summer resident. Breeds. Most numerous in spring. The earliest
of tbe Warblers to arrive. Has been taken at Brookville April 3d, but usually
appears April 7th to 15th. In many of their habits they much resemble the
Creepers, being often found climbing about the trunk and over the larger limbs of
trees rather than moving among the smaller branches.
Genus PROTONOTARIA Baird.
242. Protonotaria citrea * Bodd.). Pbothonotary Warbler; Goldev Swamp Wabblbr.
Summer resident local Iv and in some localities common. It is found as a
summer resident throughout the valley of tbe Wabash river proper, extending to
St. Mary's Reservoir in Ohio, and acros- the Kankakee valley to Lake Michigan,
where it is rare. In the lower Wabash valley, about the swamps and cypress ponds,
north into Starke County, and in some parts of the Kankakee valley, notably
English Lake, it is common and breeds abundantly. Mr. H. K. Coale has taken
it on the shore of Lake Michigan in Lake County. Mr. J. W. Byrkit reports
having taken one specimen near Michigan City. Mrs. Jane L. Hine has seen it in
Dekalb County, and Hon. K. Wes. McBride has taken it iu Elkhart County.
Prof. Evermann has taken it in Carroll County. ("The Auk," Vol. VI, pp. 26,
27 ). In the remainder of the State, east and south of the valley of the Wabash
River and in the extreme northeast portion of the State I can learn of no record
of its occurrence. Mr. H. W. McBride made a canoe trip the first half of May,
(1891), through parts of Steuben, Lagrange and Elkhart counties, Indiana, and
St. Joseph County, Michigan. He informs me that he found one specimen of the
Prothonotary Warbler in Steuben County, but in Lagrange County, between Lima
and Van Huren, they were breeding very commonly. ° In a distance of about
one-half mile, by the creek, I found eight nests without leaving my boat. The
nests were all in old Woodpeckers' holes in stubs over the water." He mentions
one male taken which " has a patch of orange red surrounding the base of the
bill." Mr. McBride further notes that he took two specimens and saw many more
about five miles uorth of the Indiana line in Michigan.
85
r. Ridgway says of Mr. H. K. Coale's observations in this State: 4 '0n
May 11th a few Prothonotary Warblers were found in the woods along the Kan-
kakee River, in Starke County, Indiana, about sixty miles southeast of Chicago.
On the 18th a dozen or more were seen, and on the 25th, having by that time
1 learned their clear, sharp note, repeated four or live times on the same pitch,' he
could hear them all along the timber; but as he looked for them near the water's
edge in the * pucker brush ' he did not see many. By carefully following the call
of the male he discovered that the birds kept in the tops of the small trees, often
flying across the river in pairs and alighting well up. Ou June 1st he had no
trouble in seeing them and procuring specimens. They were occupied around the
dead stuinpa, about ten feet from the ground. On the 8th of June he gave his at-
tention to hunting for their nestn and found several. Young were found Hying
about June loth. Mr. Coale says that 'the Prothonotary Warbler is the most
abundant summer resident of this locality, excepting perhaps the White-bellied
Swallow and Redstart." Mr. Coale informed me he had on one occasion found, in
the same locality, "at leant tifty pairs nesting within less than a mile." Mr. Wm.
Brewsti r hap given an account of his enervations on this species in Knox County
(Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, 1878, p. 153.) I have alpo presented at more length some
notes on its occurrence in this State. (Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol. XIII, 1878,
pp. 33 and 34.)
Genus IIELINAIA Audubon.
* 243. Helinaia swainsonii And, Swainson's Warhler.
Rare pummer visitor to the southwestern part of the State. It was identified
by Mr. Ridgway in Knox Couuly, where he informs me it breeds. ( Bull. Nutt.
< >rn. Club, 1S78, p. 163; Orn. of Ills., pp. 121-3.)
■ •;•■'
w
Head of Wnrm-eatingr Wsrbltr, nat. size
Gents HELMITIIERUS Rafikks*jl'e.
* 244. Helmitherus vermivorus [Gruel.). Worm-eating Warbler.
Common resident in the southern half of the State, varying somewhat in local-
itien. In the Whitewater valley it is very common in the denser woodland, espe-
cially where fallen trees and brush are plentiful. Along the valley of Sugar creek
in Parke and Montgomery counties they were not uncommon May 19 and 20, 1887.
Prof. Evermann took a nest and three eggs on the latter date at " Pine Hills," in
Montgomery County. Mr. fl. W. McBride notes their "tolerably common" oc-
currence in Dekalb County, where he mentions them as breeding, in May, 1890.
They arrive in Franklin County April 22-30, and depart early in September.
Soon after arriving they begin mating. I have noted them mating April 26 and
on until May 18. I have found the young July 1. They are birds which would
not be noticed by the casual observer. Most often they are to be found in the
darker recesses of the forest, where it is exceedingly difficult to distinguish even
Sli
more plainly marked forme. Until one learns that the song of the Worm-eating
Warbler is so similar to that of the Chipping Sparrow that it is difficult to dis-
tinguish it, he will be at a loss to know much of the former bird. Whenever one
recognizes the song of a "Chippy" in the denser woodland it is safe to conclude
that it is that of the Worm-eating Warbler.
Genus HELMINTHOPHILA Ridgway.
245. Helminthophila pinus {Linn,), Blue-winged Warbler; Blue-winged Yellow
Warbler.
Common summer resident in the southern half of the State. Breeds. Its range
is almost identical with the last mentioned species, but, unlike it, it prefers the
more open woodland, where its unmistakable note may be heard, usually from
among the taller trees, throughout the entire day. In the northern part of the
State it is rare. It has been taken in Putnam County, (Jenkins); Carroll County,
(Evermann); Dekalb County, (Mrs. Hine, McBride); Allen County, (Stock-
bridge). It breeds throughout its range in our State. They arrive in Southern
Indiana about with the Worm-eating Warbler (April 20-25 ), and are to be found
pairing from April 27 to May 15.
Head of GuMea-wingeil Warbler, nat. -ize.
246- Helminthophila chrysoptera ( Linn.). Golden- winged Warbler.
M grant throughout the State, summer resident in the nortern portion ; bit • !
< ienerally throughout Southeastern Indiana this bird is considered a rare one, but
after we became more accustomed to its habits Mr. ( t »uick and I seldom took trips
over the hills late in April or early in May without meeting some of these beau-
tiful birds. Sometimes they were quite common. They seem to be much more
numerous in the southwestern and northern part of the State duriug the migrations.
They have been noted breeding in Dekalb County (Mrs. Hine), Starke (unity
(Coale). Mr. Coale notes that the males continue singing into June. In the
Whitewater valley they prefer the more broken land usually well towards the
hilltops where they pass the time among the sugar maples. Mr. Ridgway says it
is "a common species during the spring migration in Wabash County, Illinois,
and in adjacent counties of Indiana, and is hardly, if at all, less rare in fall."
(Orn. of Ills., pp. 127-8.) Mr. H. W. McBride has recently observed a pair build-
ing their nest in Lagrange County.
247. Helminthophila ruficapilla ( WUs.). Nashville Warbler.
Migrant, not rare. More common apparently in the Wabash Valley. Not usu-
ally common in the southeastern part of the State. May 5-11, 1885, they were
comparatively common in Franklin County. Mrs. Hine notes they were very com.
mon the spring of 188'.' in Dekalb County. Br. Brayton gives it upon the author-
ity of Mr. Nelson as a " very common migrant in Lake County, and also a rare
resident." (Birds of Ind., p. 105.)
^8
253. Dendroica caerulescens {GmeL). Black-throated Blue Warbler.
Migrant; in some localities rather common, in others rare. Along the White-
water River they frequent the hill tops and the oak woods on the uplands. In that
part of the State they arrive April 26 to May 1 and pass northward by May 14.
They reach the northern part of tin >tate by May 1 to 3 and leave by May 18.
In autumn they are found in the northern part of the State from September 1st
until early October (October 3, 1875), and io the southern portion of the State re-
main but little longer ^ October 5, 1887).
254. Dendroica corona ta {Lin ».)• Mvrtlk Warbler; Golden crown Warbler ; Yellow -
rump Warbler.
Abundant migrant, also winter resident in some numbers in the southern part
of the 6tate. The winter of 1 88(5-87 they were specially abundant all winter,
Ilca<l t>( Yellow-ramped Warbler, nit. size.
frequenting the evergreen trees in towns and about farm hou c es. They reach the
northern part of the State in spring, April 11 to 15, and remain until May 16 to
19. In autumn they are found from September 20 to October 11.
255, Dendroica maculosa (Gmel.). Magnolia Warbler; Black and Yellow Warbler.
Migrant; common, generally. In the Whitewater Valley it is of regular
occurrence, but not very common. A quiet warbler., frequenting the more open
Head of Black and Yelluw Warbler, nit size.
woods and thicket*. Arrives April 21 to May 5, passes northward May 16 to 19
In autumn they have been noted from September 7 to October 1.
256. Dendroica caerulea W«7*.). Cerulean Warbler; Blue Warbler.
Summer resident; abundant, southward ; tolerably common in the northeastern
part of the State, in the northwestern part it is rare or unknown. The most com-
mon of the tree-inhabiting warblers in southeastern Indiana. Breeds, Frequents
woods, preferably those containing much underbrush. Arives April 19 to 30 in
Franklin County. I have never found when they depart, but suppose it is early in
August, since I have observed none after that date. I have observed them paired
as early as April 26, and have seen them building their nests May 8. To most
89
persons this bird, notwithstanding its numbers, is unknown. I have given some
more extended notes on its habits heretofore. (Ornithologist and Oologist, Vol. 1X>
1884, pp. 27-28.)
*257. Dendroica peunsylvanica (Linn.). Chestnut sided Warbler.
Common migrant; summer resident in extreme northern part of State, Laporte
Comity (Byrkit). Somewhat later in arriving in spring than some other species.
Head of Chestnut-sided Warbler* nat. size.
In southern Indiana they arrive May 1 to 5 and pass south in fall from the
latter part of August to October 3. Knowledge concerning its summer range in this
late is much desired. This is a rather quiet species, frequenting the hill-tops and
uplands, "Breeds sparingly in the north of the State." (Brayton.)
258. Dendroica castanea ( Wih.). Bay-brfasted Warrler.
Migrant, not generally common. Arrives with last species, and passes south
from early September to late October. In habits this and the last preceding species
are much alike.
Head of Bbck-p(ll Warblerj nnt.size.
259. Dendroica striata (Font.). Black-poll Waublrr.
Migrant, usually rather rare but sometimes common. The last of the tree-
inhabiting warblers to pass north in spring. Arrives in Southern Indiana April
27 to Mav 1, and generally leaves by May 20, although Mr. G. G. Hubbard has
found it in Jeflerson County as late as May 23. In the fall they arrive from the
North about the middle of September and some individuals remain until the mid-
dle of October. Mr. J. Grafton Parker notes them as kt very abundant" at Cole-
hour September 20, 1S84.
260. Dendroica blackbumiae {Gmel.), BlaCkburnian Warbler.
Common migrant. A very beautiful warbler, arriving some years by April
15 and passing northward May 10 to 16. In autumn they may be noted returning
late in August, and are to be found well into September.
90
261. Deudroica dominica albilora Bai - 1. Sycamore Warbler; Whitk-browed YEL-
LOW-THROAT WaRBLER.
Summer resident, generally common southward and as far north in the Wa-
bash Valley as Montgomery and Carroll counties. Throughout the remainder i
the State of rare or accidental occurrence. In the extreme northwest part of the
State it appears to be wholly wanting, although a few have been found about Chi-
cago. In the southern part of the State it frequents the valleys of streams, where,
among the sycamores, cotton woods and elms, its j (ecu liar song is heard. In au-
tumn they extend their range to some extent locally, and are often found about
the orchards and lawns. I have never known them to frequent the uplands.
They are more common in the lower Whitewater Valley than any other specie
frequenting such localities, yet I do not know that it haa been taken as far north
as Richmond, May 10 and 20, 1^87, I found them very common along Sugar
Creek, in Parke and Montgomery counties. Mr. Stocfebridge notes it as rare in
Allen County, and Mrs. Hine has seen but one, and that in September or Octo-
ber, in Dekalb County. Neither Mr. Deane nor Mr. Coale ha* been successful
in finding it in the Kankakee Valley or in Lake County. They breed commonly.
Usually they arrive in the vicinity of Brook ville April !2 to 18, but in 1S82 one
was seen as early as April 3. They begin mating by April 22, and a specimen
taken May 19, 1882, contained an egg ready to be layed. They pass southward
late in September or early in October. They are said to be rather common in
>ummer in the vicinity of Detroit, Mich.
Black-throated <ii ■< n Warbler, nat. >ize.
262. Dendroica virens iGmel.). Black-throated Ureen Warbler.
Very common migrant. Noted in the southern part of the State from April
23 to May 11. Mr. Coale has found it in Lake County May 24. In autumn they
appear late in August ( 29th ), and occasionally remain until October 8. They are
generally very abundant throughout September, Since Mr. Nelson found a few
breeding in Northeastern Illinois ( Uirds Northeastern Illinois, p. 100), it is not
unreasonable to expect they will be found to breed in Northern Indiana.
ill
263. Dendroica vigorsii [And.). Pine Warbler; Pine-creepin<; Warbler.
Rare migrant; rare summer resident. So far as I know has been noted only
in April and October in tbe southern part of the State. "Summer resident,"
Laporte County ( J. W. Byrkit). Mr. Nelson found it breeding rarely iu North-
eastern Illinois ( Birdn of N. E. Ills, p. 100). Also, in Lake County, Ind., he
found both old and young ( Birds of Ind., p. 108). Mr. Ridgway informs me of
iis breeding in Knox and Gibson counties. In the southeastern part of the State
they are found in spiing as sugar maples are blossoming and frequent these trees,
climbing about them after the manner of a Creeper. They depart by the time
other warblers become common. In autumn they remain until mid-October (Oc-
tober 15, Richmond, Ind. — DeWitt).
264. Dendroica palmarum {Qmel,). Palm Warbler; Yellow Reh-poll Warbler.
Migrant, in some localities reported common. In the lower Whitewater
valley I have never found it very common. They arrive in that vicinity about
April 20 and leave by May 5th or 6th; in autumn they appear in mid-September
and remain sometimes until October 13. In the western and northern part of the
State thfy appear to be more common.
265. Dendroica discolor Vi'i'L\. Prairie Warbler.
Rare migrant. It has been noted by Mr. Robert Ridgway, from Knox and
Gibson counties, where he seems doubtful whether it breeds or not. The late M r. C*
H. Bollman found a specimen in Monroe County April 26, 1885. So far as I know
these are the only Indiana records. Mr. Ridgway notes it as "one of the least
common species" in Illinois (Bull. III. State Lab. Nat. Hist. No. 4, p. 175).
Dr. A. W. Bray ton informs me of its occurrence at London, Ky., June, 1878. Mr.
C. W. Beckham also notts it from Kentucky. Dr. Langdon gives it as a rare
migrant in the vicinity of Cincinnati in May ( Revised List, Journ. Cin. Soc.
Nat. Hist., Jan., 1879, p. 6). I have never been fortunate enough to find it in the
Whitewater valley.
Genus SEIURUS Swaisson.
266. Seiurus aurocapillus ( /•''"».!. Goldkn- crowned Thrush; Oyrn-Bird.
I
Head of Golden-crowned Thru h t aat. size.
Abundant summer resident; breed?. Frequents the woodlands overgrown
with underbrush, where its loud peculiar call will be noticed by even the casual
observer throughout late April and May. Very abundant among the hills of
Southern Indiana. This and the Worm eating Warblers frequent similar locali-
ties, and while each i* taken for the other by persons unfamiliar with the two
forms, in the localities I have explored I have found the latter the most numerous.
In Southern Indiana they arrive April 17 to 25 and are, after a few days, common.
They pair some years by May 1st, and I have found the nest with set of eggs May
13th. They leave for the South late in September. I have never found them after
October 1st.
no
t, ' — i
267. Seiurus noveboracensis {Gmel.). Water Thrush; Small-billed Water Thrush:
New York Water Thrush; Wateu Wautail.
Migrant, generally r:ire; in the northern counties rare summer resident;
breeds Hon. K. WeP. McBride and Mrf. Jane L Hine have both informed me of
its breeding in Dekalb County. In certain localities some seasons it is common.
Professor Evermann reported it quite <• >ramon at Bloomington in the spring of
1888, and the same spring Mr. Kuthveu Deane found them common at English
Lake. I have never found the speeias common in the Whitewater Valley.
268. Seiurus noveboracensis notabilis {G inn.*. Grinneli/s Water Thri ii.
The only n cords of the occurrence of this bird in the State that I kno w , are
supplied me by Mr. Ridgway, who writes: "Obtained by me May 4 and 6, 1885, at
Wheatland (Kni>x County) thr e adult male-", numb 'red, respectively, 104,998,
104,999 ami 105,000, U. S. Nat. Mu>. register. I have taken it also in Wabash and
Richland counties, Illinois, and we have it from Warsaw, Ills."
269 Seiurus motacilla (Vteifl.). Louisiana Water Thrush; Largk BILLED Water
Thrush; Water Wagtail.
Summer resident; common southward ; rare northward. Perhaps rare wiuter
resident in lower \Y abash Valley. "Frequents woodlands along streams and about
ponds, whence its loud characteristic song cornea to the ear. When seen, a nervous
bird with a vertical, wagging motion to the tail is noted; h^nce its name, " Wag-
tail." In the Whitewater and (he greater part of the lower Wabash Valley they
are common, but in some Localities they are rare. I found them common along
Sugar Creek in Parke and Montgomery counties, May 19 and 20, 1887, at which
time they were building their nests. They are rare over the northern part of the
State. Mr. H. K. Coale note* the capture of a single specimen in Lake County,
May 24, 1879. Mrs. Hine reports them more common in Dekalb County in spring,
but rare in summer. They arrive in spring very early, reaching Southern Indiana
as early as April 4, some years. They seeoi to be paired when they arrive. The
nest is often built by April 15, and I killed a bird containing an egg ready to be
laid, April 21. They pass south in September. The latest I have noted them is
September 21.
Genus GEOTHLYPIS Cabanis.
Subgenus Oi'ororsts B&ird.
Head o! Kentucky Warbler, uat. size.
270. Geothlypis formosa ( WiU.). Kentucky Warbler.
Summer resilient over the southern two-thirds of the State; common in the
Wabash Valley, but apparently rare elsewhere. In Knox County it is "one of
the most abnntant of the summer residents" (Ridgway, Bull. Nutt. Orn Club,
1882, p. 20). It is rather common in Monroe County, where young were out of
nest June 4, 1886 (\V. S. Blatchley) ; common in Vigo Couuty (Evermann). I
93
found it common in Parke and Montgomery counties May 29, 1887; a nest and
one egg was taken at " Shades of Death" on that date. Dr. A. W. Brayton informs
me of the capture of two specimens three miles southwest of Indianapolis in May,
1878. In the southeastern quarter of the State they are very rare, but few have
been noted in the Whitewater Valley, yet about Cincinnati they are quite com-
mon (Dury and Freeman, Journ. Cin. Soc. Nat. Hist., 1879, p. 2). They arrive
by April 17th to May 1st, and mof4, if not all of them, leave by the middle of
July.
271. Geothlypis agilis (TTtf*.). Connecticut Warbler.
Migrant, usually somewhat rare. Arrives late in May and passes south late
in September. They arrive May 17th to 20th and leave by 26th. They frequent
the borders of woods and thickets and brti-h patches along fence rows. Somewhat
common in Franklin County May 24 and 25, 1882. Rather common migrant in
the vicinity of Chicago (Nelson). Quite common at English Lake May 4, 1891
(Deane).
Subgenus GEOTHLYPIS Cab mis.
272. Geothlypis Philadelphia ( Wils.). Mourning Warbler.
Rare migrant generally; occasionally common locally. Mr. Ridgway notes
u became suddenly very common May 6, 1881 (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club, 1S82, p. 20).
May be common resident in some localities. Mr. H. K. Coale writes me that Mr.
Geo. F. Clingman shot a specimen in Lake County June 1, 1879. This specimen
was identified by Prof. R. B. Sharpe as Geothlypis macgilivrayi (Aud.) (Cat. Birds
Brit. Mus., Vol. X, p. 365). Mr. Coale says this was undoubtedly a G. pkitadelpkia,
and writes that Mr. Ridgway U of the same opinion. In southeastern Indiana it
seems especially rare, only one specimen having been taken in the Whitewater
Valley.
273. Geothlypis trichas (Linn.). Maryland Yellow-throat.
Head of Maryland Yellow-throat, nat. size.
274. Geothlypis trichas occidentalis [Brewst.). Western Yellow Throat.
Mr. Kidgway thinks the occidentalis form is the prevailing representative in
Indiana and Illinois, but for lack of material for comparison no separation of the
two forms has been made in this paper. It may be that both forms are found
within our limits. Common summer resident among the grasses, sedges and
shrubbery about damp places and along the valleys of stream*; breeds. I have
but once found it among the hills, although not far away its peculiar song
might be beard from many parts of a patch of horse-weeds and willows. It
song resembles very much that of the Carolina Wren ( T. ludovicianus). Arrives
in spring from April 16 to 25, the nest with eggs is to be found throughout the
latter part of May. My friend, Mr. E. R. Quick, has in his collection a curious nest
94
this bird, or rather three neets, two of which are built within the other. In the
original nest had been deposited the egg of a Cow-bird (Mohthrus ater, Bodd.), then
within that nest, and rising above it, the Yellow-throat had built another nest,
which also became the depository of the hope of offspring of this unnatural bird ;
again the little Warbler constructed a third nest upon the other two, burying the
second Cow-bird egg, and in this nest laid her complement of eggs. This curious
nest, which is like some others which have been found, was obtained near Brook-
ville. They leave for their winter home in in id -September.
Genus ICTERIA Vieillot
Head of Ycllow-brenstetl Chat, nat. size.
275. Icteria virens * Linn.). Yellow-bee asted Chat.
Summer resident; common in southern half of the State; rare northward and
in the extreme northern counties almost if not quite unknown. Breeds throughout
its range in the State. They frequent brier patches and thickets; their favorite
haunt being among the bushes of a blackberry "patch." They are great ventrilo-
quists. Often a person to whom their habits are new will look for quite a long time
towards some spot from which the sound comes but where the bird is not. Even
those accustomed to their odd ways are often deceived and search for them in
places other than where they are. They have quite a variety of notes which, with
their strange antic?, render them the most interesting summer bird among the
copses. At mating time they devote much time to aerial evolutions, which at all
times are interesting because of their oddity, but at times become exceedingly lu-
dicrous. While performing these various evolutions they give voice to a multitude
of strange sounds which seem to come from "here, there and everywhere" except
the throat of the odd and awkward bird descending towards the clump of busln ifi
near by. They arrive from April 24 to May 5, and are at once known by the
many strange sounds which come from some well known thicket. They begin
pairing within a day or two after arrival aud then proceed to construct a nest,
which is usually placed from four to six feet from the ground in a bush or upon a
hlackberry st;ilk. Eggs are found late in May and early in June. After the young
are able to leave the nest the family keeps together for some time at least. Most of
the Chats leave in September, but when food is abundant sometimes remain later*
I obtained one December 1, 1S82. It was feeding upon poke berries. It is rare in
Allen County, ( Stockbridge ) ; also in Dekalb County, (Hon. R. W. McBride ) ;
in Starke County, ( Deane ) ; and Mr. Parker notes but a single orcurrence in Lake
County. Mr. II. W. McBride reports it from Elkhart County.
95
liBTJ SYLVANIA Nl'TTAI.I..
1
4
Head of II led Fly catcher.
*276. Sylvania mitrata (Gmel.). Hooded Warbler; Hooded Fltcatching Warbi.er.
Summer resident, generally rather rare, especially in the northern part of the
State; breed*. More common (hiring the ppring migration. I have never found
it as a summer resident in Franklin County, but Dr. Hammond says it is rarely
such (Ind. Geol. Kep't, 1860, p. 217). Mr. Ridgway notes his observations in
Knox County as follows: "Rather common in deep woods, but much less so than
in the vicinity of the cypress swamp further south" (Bull. Nutt. Orn. Club,
1882, p. 20). The same observer informs me that they breed in Knox and Gibson
Counties. Dr. F. W. Langdon has noted it as a summer resident in the vicinity of
Cincinnati (Journ. Cin. Soc. N. H., July, ISM), p. 123). Prof. Evermann notes
they are not common in Vigo County. Mrs. Iline informs me that she has but
twice observed them in Dekalb Count v. once as late as October. Mr. Coale notes
me t
two occurrences within the State, one at Davis Station, Starke County, the other in
Lake County, where, May 24, 1879, after a storm, he picked up a dead one upon
the shore of Lake Michigan. Manv other birds were also found dead at the same
time. This is another evidence of the great destruction of bird life on our lakei
by storms at the height of tne migrations. Mr. G. G. Williamson was fortunate
enough to find in Monroe County, May 26, 1886, a nest of this species containing
six young. They are late in arriving, never having been noted in Franklin
County before April 30, and usually not until the 6th and 10th of May. They
frequent the denser woodland, where they are found among the underbrush and
lower branches of the trees. They seem to be quite active. I have often noticed a
peculiar spreading and closing of the tail. They remain until late in autumn,
having been taken at Brookville as late as October 20. The most abundant I have
ever seen them was among the dense woods along Sugar Creek, in Parke and Mont-
gomery counties, where they were quite common May 19 and 20, 1887.
277. Sylvania pusilla ( tVifo.). Wilson's Warbler; Green Black-capped Fltcatching
Warbler; Black-capped Ybllow Waruler.
Migrant; more common in fall than spring. In southeastern Indiana I have
never found them common, in fact in spring they are exceedingly rare. In the
II sad of Wilson's Warbler.
northern part of the State they appear to be more common. Mrs. Hine report*
them as tolerably common in Dekalb County, and Mr. J. G. Parker note? them as
rather common in the spring of 1 S86.
96
278. Sylvania canadensis (linn.). Canadian Warbler; Canadian Flycatching
Warbler.
Migrant; more common than either of the last mentioned species and unlike
the last,, most numerous in spring. Frequents thickets and the undergrowth of
, ■ * *t
\
\4
Head «'l Canadian Flycatcher,
somewhat dense woods. It may breed in the extreme northern couutiee, since Mr.
Ridgway notes that it does' in that portion of Illinois (Bull. No, 4, III. State
Lab. Nat. Hist., p. 175). Arrives in Southern Indiana April IS to May 5, and the
rear nf the migrants passes by May 16, which is the latest date reported,
pass South late in August and early in September.
Genus SETOPIIAUA Swainson.
279, Setophaga ruticilla {Linn,). American Redstart.
Common summer resident, frequenting the woodlands. Breeds. A lively
bird, restlessly moving in springtime from branch to branch, singing its peculiar
song and stopping now and then either the song or its wanderings to pick an insect
from a leaf near by, or to dart, Fly-catcher-like. after a passing fly. In the north-
ern part of the State this is perhaps tlie most abundant small bird in the woods.
In Franklin County the earliest first arrival noted was April 25th, and the latest
was May 4th They have been noted pairing as early as May 4th, and I have
found the nest on May 17th, The nest is a very neat structure placed in the fork
of the limb of a tree. I do not remember ever to have seen one over thirty feet
from the ground. While the bulk leave during September, a few remain until
early October. Mrs. Hiue notes the occurrence of a s[ ecimen in Dekalb County as
late as October 11.
Family MOTACILLID.E. Wagtail-.
Genus A NTH US Bechstein.
Sul ^iui5 Antius.
280. Anthus penusylvanicus {Lath.), American Pipit; American Titlark.
Abundant migrant, frequenting meadows and pastures, the shores of streams
and lakes in <:k<. They pass northward during March, April and early part of
'.'7
May. They may to be observed occasionally mating just before they proceed
Bill and foot of Titlark, nat. size.
northward. They arrive from the North early in September and are to be found
throughout October and the early part of November.
Family TROGLODYTID.E. Wrens, Thrashers, etc
Subfamily MIMIN.K. Thrashers.
Genus MIMUS Boik.
281. Mimus polyglottus l [Linn.). Mocking Bird.
Rare summer resident, and rarer resident in the southern half of the State;
more numerous in the southwestern portion; breeds. [ have only s*-en it in
Franklin County in summer, but have taken the young barely able to fly. It has
also been reported breeding in the following counties: Decatur, ( Hughes ) ; Vigo,
(Evermann); Monroe, ( Blatchley, Evermann); Knox and Gibson, ( Ridgway ) ;
Posey, ( Elliott ); Mr. Blatchley found it in Vigo County February 14, 1888, and
Prof. Evermann in the same county in January. Mr. H. K. Coale saw a Mock-
ing bird in Starke County January 1, 1884.
Genus GALEOSCOPTES Cabanis.
282. Galeoscoptes carolinensis {Linn.). Cat-bird. #
Abundant summer resident; breeds; well known to every one by its common
name. In the lower Wabash Valley they occasionally arrive by April 3, but in
the lower Whitewater Valley I have never found them before April 16 They
seem to move earlier throughout the entire Wabash Valley than along the eastern
portion of the State, being noted throughout the northwest quarter of the State as
e&rly as they are fouud in Franklin County. They pair soon after their arrival,
and nests with eggs are common throughout the last half of May. Most of them
leave for the South during September, but a few remain into October. Mrs. Hine
has found them in Dekalb County as late as October 2, and I have taken them in
Franklin County October 4. While one would not suspect the Cat-bird to be one
easily affected by cold, it is nevertheless true that it is very susceptible to cold.
It waB one of the birds destroyed in great numbers by the sudden cold spell of May
20-21, 1883.
7 — Apf. Hort.
98
Genus HARPORHYNCHUS Caeanis.
Subgenus Methriopterus Reicheubmb.
283- Harporhynchus rufus {Linn.). Brown Thrasher; Brown Thrush; Tawny
Thrcsh ; Brown Mockingbird.
Common summer resident; breeds. Both this and the last preceding species
occasionally winter in Southern Illinois, and may occasionally do so in Southern
Indiana. I have not learned of the occurrence of the Brown Thrasher in Indiana
beiore March 2, nor after October 2. They seem to move forward at the time of
the spring migration by irregular movements, covering more or less territory and
stopping for a longer or shorter period after each forward move. There is a
locality two miles south of Brookville where these birds arrive from two days to a
week before they are to be found two or three miles farther up the valley. I have
examined these movements almost every year for twelve years, and in my observa-
tions have had the intelligent cooperation of my friend, Mr. E. R. Quick. No
bird, perhaps, illustrates the fact of the return of individuals to the home of the
previous year more plainly than this. I have found them mating March 31, with
a complement of eggs April 29, and with young May 11. v
Subfamily TROGLODYTIN^E. Wrens.
Genus THRYOTHORUd Vieillot.
Subgenus Thryothords.
* 284. Thryothorus ludovicianus {Lath.). Carolina Wren; Bit. Brown Wren
*
oP^"
Carolina Wren
Common resident southward ; rare spring snd summer visitor and perhaps sum-
mer resident northward. It has been reported from Dekalb County by Hon. R.
Wes. McBride, Mrs. Hine and Mr. J. O. Snyder; from Porter County by Mr. J. W.
Byrkit, and I have myself nuted it in Parke County. From the northeastern part
100
passing North, late iu April (24-29). Id Southern Indiana they are most numer-
ous from October 8 to I December 1, and from March 7 to April 24. In the White-
water Valley they are not often seen through December, January and February,
*cn
i
Winter Wren. nat. size.
but seem to be tolerably common at that season in the lower Wabash Valley.
These little Wrens are most often seen about clearings, thickets, old fence rows,
etc. While they are occasionally found about dwellings, they are not common.
Genus CISTOTHORUS Cabanis,
Subgenus Cistothorus.
288. Cistothorus stellaris {Licht.). Short-billed Marsh Wren.
Rare migrant southward; rare summer resident. I have no account of its
breeding within the State. The only time it has been taken in Franklin County
was September 23, 1879, when several were seen and two taken in a swampy ravine
three miles from Brookville. Mr. J. R. Slonaker reports it from Vigo County May
8, 1889. Mr. H. K Coale has twice reported it from Lake County, once July 4,
1881. Mr. Alexander Black has taken it in Putnam County. Mrs. Jane L. Hine has
noted it April 24, 1888, from Dekalb County. They are quiet, retiring birds,
frequenting the reedy margins of sloughs and the smaller lakes. They have been
found breeding throughout Illinois (Ridgway ) and at St. Mary's Reservoir, Ohio
(Dury).
#
Subgenus Telmatodytes Cabanis.
289. Cistothorus palustris ( Wils i. Long-billed Marsh Wren,
Summer resident, abundant northward ; not so numerous southward. Outside of
the lower Wabash valley I do not know that it has been found as a summer resident
in the southern half of the State, but is occasionally seen as a migrant. Mr. Ridg-
way informs me of its breeding in Knox and Gibson counties. It breeds in Vigo
County (Evermann); also throughout the northern part of the State among the
dges, grasses and reeds of marshy places. Where suitable localities are numerous
ihe birds breed abundantly. They are said to build quite a number of houses be-
ore they occupy one. Mr. J. Grafton Parker says: " Hardly one nest in twentv
• ontains eggs. The birds must build many nests before laying, as the nests are
much more plentiful than the birds/' Dr. Haymond has told me of similar obser-
vations in Kosciusko County. Mr. E. W. Nelson says : " While the female is in-
cubating, the male is constantly employed upon the construction of several unfin-
ished nests, until often a pair muy bonst the posHrsison of a dozen unoccupied tene-
ments." (Bull. Essex Inst., Vol. VIII, 1876, p 97) They pass north from April
101
12th to May 13th. Mr. Ruthven Deane has found them breeding abundantly at
English Lake in Juneand July He has also noted them building August 4, 1889.
They mostly pa8s south in September, but Mr. Deane has found a few remaining
in Starke County as late as October 27.
Family CERTHIID i:. Creeper.
Uenus CERTHIA Linn. i us.
290. Certhia familiaris americana \Bonop.). Brown Creeper.
Detnils of structure of Brown Creeper, nat. size.
Common migrant and rare winter resident. Their occurrence in winter is ir-
regular, but almost every winter they are heard of, at various times, from different
localities throughout the State. I have never known it to breed in the State, but
Mr. H. W. McBride thinks it breeds in Dekalb County. They are very common
through Southern Indiana in early April and through October. They usually pass
north before May 1st, but Mr. G. G. Williamson found it in Monroe County, May
30, 1888.
Family PARIDJE. Nuthatches and Tits.
Subfamily SITTINGS. Nuthatches.
Genus SITTA Lin i us.
*291. Sitta carolinensis Lath. White-breasted Nuthatch: "Tom-Tit."
Head of White-breasted Nuthatch, nat. size.
Common resident. A queer, blue-gray bird, with black or gray head and short
tail, generally found creeping about the trunk and limbs of trees, as often head
down as otherwise. Pleasant, cheery little fellow*, who remain with us throughout
the year, associating with Downy Woodpeckers, Tufted Titmice, Carolina Chicka-
dees, Juncos and Tree Sparrows. A iuotUy crowd, moving about for the sake of
food and enjoying each other's company.
102
'292. Sitta canadensis Linn. Red-breastkd Nithatch ; Red-bellied Nuthatch: Can
ADA N l THATCH,
Head of Red-breasted Nuthatch, nat. size.
Rare winter resident, regular migrant, but not generally common; rare summer
resident in northern part of the State ; breeds. Dr. Bray ton notes its occasional
breeding and Prof. Evermann thinks it breeds in Carroll County, where he obtained
young just able to fly. In Franklin County I have never been able to find it
throughout the winter. Generally they are to be found in some numbers in the
denser woodland April 30 to May 15. They are more noisy and generally more
active than the larger species. Mr. H. W. Mc Bride has taken it as far north as
Dekalb County, January 26, 1889.
Subfamily PARIN.K. Titmice.
Genus PARUS Linnaeus.
Subgenus Lophophanes Kaup.
"293. Parus bicolor Linn. Tufted Titmouse ; " Sugar Bird."
1 1 e : id of Tufted Titmouse, nnt. size.
Abundant resident in the southern part of the State, becoming rarer as one pro-
ceeds northward until it is unknown as a resident about half way from Indianap-
olis to the northern State line. North of its resident range it appears occasionally
as a straggler, generally in autumn, spring and winter. Hon. R. Wes. Mc Bride
and Mrs. Jane L. Hine both report it as a rare visitor in Dekalb County. Mr.
H. K. Coale found a pair in Starke County January 1, 1884. It is a common resi-
dent in Carroll County (Evermann) ; breeds. In the collection of Dr. A. W.
Brayton is a beautiful albino of this species which is quite interesting. Their oft-
repeated note, " Peto-peto," is a characteristic sound about the sugar camps "in
sugar time," hence the farmers in many local iiies call it "Sugar Bird."
103
*
Subgenus Pauus Linnaeus.
Farus atricapillus Linn. Chick vdkk; Black-capped Chickadee.
Chickadee.
Abundant resident in northern part of the State; southward it is only known
as a rare winter visitor.
295, Parus carolinensis And. Carolina Chickadee ; Black-capped Chickadee.
Abundant resident throughout the southern part of the State, where it takes
the place of the last mentioned species. It is a summer visitor but rare over much
of the noithern part of the State.
Family SYLVIIDJS. Warblers; Kinglets; Gnatcatchers.
Subfamily REGULIN.E. Kinglets.
Genus RE'JI lA'S Cuvier.
296. Regulus satrapa Licht. Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Golden-crowned Kinglet.
Common migrant; rare winter resident in southern part of State. They pass
104
northward in March and April and return in October and November. Miss H. E.
Colfax reports its occurrence in Porter County, June >, ls.s-l.
297. Regulus calendula [Linn.). Ruby-crowned Kinglet.
Common migrant; not so numerous as the species last mentioned, and also
arrives later. The immature birds remaiu after the old ones have gone. I always
associate them with the blooming of apple trees, about which they are often seen.
They sometimes remain in the southern part of the State until May 10. Miss H.
E. Colfax also reports this species in Porter County, June 8, 1884. They pass
south in September and October.
Subfamily POLIO PTILINJS. Gnatcatchek-
Genus POLIOPTILA Sclatek,
.■■
t«53r
Head <>f Blue-gray (J nat catcher, nat. size.
*298. Polioptila caerulea {Linn.). Bli-k-gray Onatcatcheb.
Abundant summer resident southward, not so common northward, and in some
localities not found. Arrive from the South March 31st to April 15th ; are usually
paired upon arrival and at once proceed to construct their nest. The nests are cov-
ered with lichens, and the inside composed of tine fibre and spiders' web, making
a very beautiful specimen of bird architecture. They have been reported from
Starke County — "breeds," ( G. Frean Morcom ; H. K.Coale); Dekalb, ( Mrs. Jane
L. Hine ); Porter, "summer resident," (J. W. Byrkit ); Allen, "rare," ( C. A. Stock-
bridge ); Lake, breeding, ( G. F. Clingman). They leave for the South in October.
They are noisy little birds, who spy the intruder from afar and, like the Tufted
Titmouse, continue their chatter until he lias left the neighborhood of their home.
They usually build their nest in the fork of a limb of some rough-barked tree in
the more open woods. The nest, owing lo its resemblance to a licben-covered knot,
is hard to find*
Family TURDIDiK, Tiijm /sues, Solitaires, Blueiurd^ etc.
Subfamily TURDIN.E. Thrushes.
Genus TURIN'S Ltvn.eis.
Subgenu Hylucichla Buird.
Head oi' AVninl Thrush, nat. size.
100
into Michigan. Mr. Jerome Trotnbley notes that they were present at Peters-
burgh, Mich., in January and February, 1886, also February 9, 1887. In winter
they seek the more sheltered places, usually away from our homes, hence it is
Head of Robin-, nat. size.
rarely one sees them, even though they may be found. I have a number of ref-
erences from central and northern Indiana concerning their occurrence in winter.
Genus SIALIA Swainbon.
*305. Sialia sialis {Linn.). Bluebird.
Common summer resident; resident also, most numerous southward, but vary-
ing much in numbers different years; breeds. I do not think they are nearly so
numerous as they were twelve or fifteen years ago. Certainly this is the case about
our towns, where they have been driven off and their nesting sites occupied by the
aggressive and unwelcome English Sparrow.